Classroom grants of up to $200 were awarded to classroom teachers for projects that affect only one class of students. General grants of up to $500 were awarded for projects that affect several classes, the entire school, or that may affect students for many years.   Most of the projects would not be possible without the SAAC funds.

Awards were made this year to R. J. Morgan (Starkville High School) for the “The Art of Reporting,” Nicole Dozier (Armstrong Middle School) for “The Young Author’s Book Project, Libby Pollard (Ward Stewart Elementary School) for “Stepping into Art: Mosaic Stepping Stones,”  Krista Vowell (Starkville Academy) for “Little Shop of Horrors” musical, Robin Pigg (Starkville Academy) for “Calligraphy Writing,,” Cindy Gilmer (East Oktibbeha County High School) for “Air Brushing” and a museum field trip, Susan Allen (East Oktibbeha County High School) for “How to Write a Graphic Novel,” Susan Allen (West Oktibbeha County High School) for “The Role of Art in World History,” Marian Wright (East Oktibbeha County High School) for “Memories of Miracles,” Denise Rowan (Starkville Christian School) for “Art Across the Board,” Katie Wallace (Homeschool Music Cooperative) for “Mississippi Home Education Day Performance,” Antoinette Jenkins (MSU) for “One Million Bones Project,” and Clara G. Ware (Girl Scout Troop 426) for “Dancing…enjoying the pleasure, power and art of movement.”

“It is so rewarding to see students get turned on to the arts as a result of the grants,“ said Ellen Boles, chair of the Arts in Education Grants committee.  A committee of eight current or former educators selected the winners.  Applications for the next academic year will be accepted in the fall, 2013. Application forms will be available at that time on the organization’s websitewww.starkvillearts.org or at the SAAC office at Suite 18, 101 S. Lafayette Street.