Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) proudly celebrates 20 educators across 11 schools who have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Innovative Teaching Mini Grant Program. The total awarded to OCSD educators is $9,000 to support innovative, hands-on teaching strategies that will enhance student learning and engagement across the district.

Each winning project brings fresh ideas into classrooms and highlights the district’s commitment to educational excellence and creative instruction in science, literacy, technology, character education, and the arts.

Awarded Projects by School

Carver Edisto Middle School – $1,000

• Barbara Glover – “Benches of Knowledge: Supporting Outdoor Learning Opportunities” – $500
• Peggy Moore – “Cock A Doodle Doodle Doo, What’s New? Round Two!!!” – $500

Dover Elementary School – $1,000

• Amanda Fair-Coles – “The Reading Revolution: Enhancing Classroom Libraries” – $500
• Mary Gwyn – “STEAM Reading: Encouraging Love of Reading and Exploration in the Sciences” – $500

Edisto High School – $1,000

• Bryan Pugh – “Model Rocketry and Physics Exploration” – $500
• Rajananthini Velummylum – “Fusing Technology & Hands-On Learning for Success” – $500

Edisto Primary School – $500

• Brittany Hallman – “Reading Rockstars” – $500

Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Middle/High School – $500

• Juliet Joseph – “Mapping the World: Exploring World History Through Maps” – $500

Lake Marion High School – $2,000

• Maria Avesta – “From Abstract to 3D: Visualizing Life’s Processes” – $1,000
• Joyce Smith – “Engineering Innovation Through Printmaking” – $500
• Ruth Watford – “Gamifying the Classroom to Teach Core Concepts with Math and Critical Thinking” – $500

Lake Marion Middle School – $1,000

• Cathy Huger – “Project Wisdom Character Education (Digital) Curriculum” – $500
• Cherelle Washington – “Slam into Poetry: A Multimedia Experience” – $500

Lockett Elementary/Branchville High – $500

• Lillie Dunning – “Rolling Out the Slabs!” – $500

Mellichamp Elementary School – $1,000

• Maya Webb – “Wonder Bots” – $1,000

William J. Clark Middle School – $500

• Malissa Wright – “Building Brighter Futures: A Lego Art Revolution” – $500

“These grants are more than just funding—they are fuel for creativity and academic excellence,” said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, Superintendent of Orangeburg County School District. “Our educators have imagined bold and engaging ways to bring learning to life, and we are proud to celebrate their vision, innovation, and impact. SRNS has provided our schools with powerful opportunities to expand student experiences, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”

To honor these exceptional educators, a special reception was held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Newberry Hall in Aiken, SC.

The SRNS Mini Grant Program continues to be a vital partner in educational advancement, and Orangeburg County School District is proud to uplift and support its educators in their pursuit of excellence.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Erica S. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Business and Community Partnerships, at erica.taylor@ocsdsc.org or 839-356-4040.