Full of spirit on a bus loaded with board members, cheerleaders, band students, and administrators, the Lufkin Education Foundation’s Grant Patrol delivered a magical day, awarding grants to applicants throughout the district. Executive Director, Morgan Watson expressed, “As a board, Grant Patrol Day is a celebration that we look forward to every year!”
In total, the foundation awarded $70,061.85 on Thursday, empowering Lufkin ISD teachers to provide innovative tools, resources, and programs to students on twelve campuses. With each Grant Patrol delivery came eruptions of excitement from the receiving classroom students and staff.
Foundation board members agree it is extremely rewarding to hear the cheers. Watson said, “It reminds us of why we work so hard to fundraise throughout the year. We are thankful to our community and business partners for making it possible to give like we do.”
Dr. James Hockenberry, Superintendent of Lufkin ISD, described the day as one of the most fun experiences since he’s been in the district! “The Lufkin Education Foundation’s commitment to excellence and our students is truly remarkable. Yesterday’s awarding of grants reflects a shared investment and goal of creating intentional opportunities to set our students up for big learning and bright futures. The grants also represent the dedication of the teachers who took time to research materials and programs that would best serve their students, and followed up with the efforts to complete the application process.”
The grant application opened in March of 2024. Teachers were encouraged to apply and share their innovative ideas. Local grant writing workshops were provided to help teachers convey their goals and the supplies needed to make their dreams a reality. Once the application deadline closed, the Lufkin Education Foundation Board began reviewing submissions. Anticipation always grows leading up to the day everyone looks forward to in the fall…Grant Patrol Day! It’s a surprise for the receiving staff, whose classes are interrupted by the sound of the Lufkin Panther Band Drumline and LHS Cheerleaders.
This year’s recipients were funded for many exciting projects, including microscopes that fit into your pocket to better explore on the go, glasses with built in sign language interpreting capabilities, and a vending machine filled with books, just to name a few.
“Lufkin ISD if full of extraordinary educators and we are proud to support them and their innovative ideas,” said Watson.
The Lufkin Education Foundation was created in 2014 to provide LISD teachers with the support, funds, and encouragement to implement innovative ideas and experiences in the classroom. More than $544,000, covering 216 total grants, has been awarded by the foundation over the last ten years.
If you would like to make a donation to the Lufkin Education Foundation, you may do so at lufkineducationfoundation.org/donate.
