Students in 34 classrooms across Lauderdale County will benefit this year from $26,700 in teacher mini grants awarded to local educators by the Junior Auxiliary of Meridian.

A consequential, longtime project of the Junior Auxiliary, the Teacher Mini Grants Project is aimed at enhancing the learning experience of local students.

“This year’s recipients submitted projects that are not only innovative but also profoundly student-centered,” said Ashley Ross, an active member of the Junior Auxiliary and chair of the Teacher Mini Grants Project. “The independent panel of judges was highly impressed by the quality of ideas presented from STEM-based learning and career readiness to inclusive support for English Language Learners and special needs students. It’s an honor to support the creativity and dedication of our local educators.”

To celebrate those educators selected to receive mini grants, the Junior Auxiliary recently hosted a reception at the Meridian Museum of Art. This year’s mini grant recipients were chosen from a competitive pool of 76 completed applications, a marked increase in applications of more than 5% from the previous year, according to a JA press release.

“This year, 3,728 students, representing one in every five children in Lauderdale County, will benefit from a Junior Auxiliary teacher mini grant, bringing impactful learning experiences to classrooms across our community,” said Dr. Marie Roberts, an active JA member who serves as vice president of service.

This year’s mini grant recipients include 19 first-time winners. Reaching students across diverse needs and disciplines, Roberts said these educators’ projects will address a broad spectrum of learning opportunities, including family engagement and community involvement, and will span crucial areas such as STEM, English Language Arts, Career and Technical Education, and the Arts.

Twelve of the projects approved for grants will benefit students in the Meridian Public School District and 21 projects will reach students in the Lauderdale County School District.

Altogether, 41% of the projects are aimed at elementary students, 26% at middle school and 26% at high school students, according to the release. Ten of the projects serve special needs students, nine serve at-risk students and seven support English Language Learners.

These projects will provide critical support for Meridian and Lauderdale County students, creating environments where teachers can bring unique, impactful lessons to life, Roberts noted.

She said the success of the Junior Auxiliary’s Teacher Mini Grants Project would not be possible without the support of community partners and donors, including the Charles L. Young Sr. Foundation, Community of Hope, the Phil Hardin Foundation and other sponsors. She said there are numerous other local businesses and individuals who support the work of the auxiliary through sponsorships, donations and contributions, as well as by participation in the JA’s annual charity ball and silent auction.

Since 1941, the Junior Auxiliary of Meridian has been dedicated to providing services directly to at-risk and children in need in the community through local schools, community events and within homes of families in Lauderdale County.

Educators selected for mini grants were Ben Simpson, Anchor Christian Academy; Madison Mayatt, Shari Davis and Lauren Hatch, along with Marci Miller, all of West Lauderdale Middle School; Rebekah Johnson and Jodi Rutledge, both of Southeast Middle School; Courtney Ashcraft, Kierra Brown, Robin Temple, Carla Pierce and Janie McMullen, all of Northeast Elementary School; Alanna Burns and Kelly Lamerson, both of Meridian High School; Katherine Waldrop of West Hills Elementary School; Katie Horn, Meridian Public School District; Morgan Bailey and Nancy Walton, along with Lydia Brand, all of Poplar Springs Elementary School; Amanda Mowery, along with Jordan Mills and Linda Hopkins, all of Meridian Public School District; Catherine McGowin of Southeast High School; Allison Nester and Megan Boatner, both of Clarkdale Elementary School; Walter Littleton of Ross Collins Career and Technical Center; Paige Anderson, Ashley Pogue and Elizabeth Bennett, along with Brandi Griffith and Amy Semmes, all of West Lauderdale Elementary School; Barbara Sanders, Parkview Elementary School; Stephanie Brown and Susan Smith, both of Lamar School; Deyantah Curry of Crestwood Elementary School; Jacob Mars of Marion Park; Vanessa Lee, Suzie Sanders and Brandon Davidson, all of West Lauderdale High School; and Toniziun Ball of Legacy Learning and Career Management.