OKEECHOBEE — On Jan. 23, the Education Foundation of Okeechobee visited classrooms across the district to present teachers with $33,300 in awards for innovative classroom projects. These grants, made possible through the generous contributions of private donors and the School District Education Foundation matching grant program, underscore the community’s commitment to education.

The grant recipients represent a diverse range of creative projects, each designed to engage students in unique ways. Among these initiatives is a captivating “Farm-to-Table” project, where students will cultivate a garden to produce jam. This hands-on endeavor not only educates students about sustainable agriculture but also allows them to witness the journey of food from the field to their plates.

In addition to the “Farm-to-Table” project, other notable initiatives include butterfly gardens, designed to immerse students in environmental science and ecosystem studies, a student-run café providing real-world experiences in entrepreneurship, and the launch of a school newspaper. These projects exemplify the Education Foundation’s commitment to fostering diverse and engaging learning experiences.

Furthermore, the grants will facilitate enriching field trips, exposing students to new educational experiences and inspiring a love for learning beyond the classroom’s confines. These outings aim to broaden horizons and spark curiosity among students.

These projects represent just a portion of the innovative initiatives the Education Foundation of Okeechobee is supporting, made possible by the generosity of private donors and the matching grant program. The Education Foundation of Okeechobee congratulates the passionate educators whose vision and commitment to student success have earned them these grants.

The Education Foundation of Okeechobee extends heartfelt gratitude to the following private donors for their generous contributions: SouthState Bank, Doris Entry, Rotary Club of Okeechobee, Okeechobee Battlefield Friends, Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee, Jill Holcomb, Glades Electric Cooperative, Inc., Gay Carlton, Delta Kappa Gamma, Okeechobee Community Theatre, Okeechobee Cattlewomen’s Association, Altobello Family Donor Advised Fund, Brennan Eye Care, Family Dentistry of Okeechobee, Sumner Engineering, Ken Kenworthy, Leslie Lundy, Seacoast Bank, Daughters of the American Revolution, Okeechobee County Farm Bureau, and Sherri Branstetter.