Fifty eight winning teachers in Cherokee, Dawson, Gilmer, Lumpkin and Pickens counties were surprised with big checks totaling almost $40,000 as the Amicalola EMC Bright Ideas prize team made the rounds during October.
In its second year, Amicalola EMC’s Bright Ideas grant program is a competition designed to reward teachers who take the time to plan, research and put into action a creative learning experience for students. Georgia certified teachers at elementary, middle, high schools and private schools within the Amicalola EMC service area were eligible to apply.

Funding for the program comes from unclaimed property, which previously had to be turned over to the state. Thanks to a legislative change in 2005, state law now allows the funds to be used locally for three approved purposes; education, economic development and certain charities. State law does not allow the funds to be used to pay power bills or offset rates.

Program details are available at www.amicalolaemc.com. The Bright Ideas education grant program is part of Amicalola EMC’s ongoing commitment to local communities. Amicalola EMC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that serves more than 45,000 locations in ten northwest Georgia counties.

List of Gilmer County winners:

Lea McMillan Clear Creek Middle Teaching Sign Language
Jessica S. Nohner Clear Creek Middle Project Improv!
Donna West Ellijay Elementary School Operation Success
Ben Sexton Ellijay Elementary School Beauty and the Beast Junior
Michael Shawler Gilmer High School G.E.A.R.S. Robotics Team
Megan Higgins Gilmer High School Remote Operated Vehicle
Mark Hyde Gilmer Middle/Clear Creek Green Screen Technology Broadcasting Project
Lori Moles Gilmer Middle School Geoscape – Real World Math Project
Mechelle Sams Mountain View Elem Seven Clans of the Cherokee Nation
Dale Roberts Mountain View Elem Community Garden
Cindy Deal North Georgia Christian Academy Growing Robotics
Daniele Deneka North Georgia Christian Academy Enlightning Electricity