Mississippi Power delivers nearly $12,000 in Environmental Education Grants to south Mississippi teachers

Gulfport, Miss. – Mississippi Power presented teachers across south Mississippi with environmental education grants this week to support specific programs and advance the teaching of the skills needed in the environmental field.

Nineteen teachers will claim a share of approximately $12,000 for equipment, supplies and projects that will aid their teaching of environmental science.

“Mississippi Power is pleased that our state’s educators are leading the way by engaging students on the importance of environmental protection and preservation,” said Mississippi Power Environmental Affairs Director Mark Loughman. “Teachers inspire their students in the classroom every day, and we hope these grants will assist and encourage a continued commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Mississippi Power began presenting teachers with environmental education grants in 2015. Since the program’s inception, more than $65,000 has been awarded to more than 140 teachers.

Mississippi Power’s Environmental Education Grants – What They Are Saying

Beth Lang, Newton Co. Elementary School teacher:

“Students will explore important plant facts using the arts and hands-on activities. We will purchase plant books by famous visual artists, art supplies for painting plants, a piano keyboard and melody bells to sing and play songs about plants. This project would not be possible if not for the generosity of stakeholders like Mississippi Power. I am thankful for businesses that invest in quality education for the students of Mississippi.”

Rebekah Reese, Biloxi High School teacher:

“It has been a goal of the Environmental Club at Biloxi High School to increase the awareness for the environment among our student body of nearly 1700 students. We started a small recycling project last year with paper. This grant will allow us to expand the program school-wide and possibly include plastics as well. The students will be so thrilled to find out their hard work and determination has paid off.”

Latisha Taylor, Hawkins Elementary School teacher:

“We have a Memory Garden that’s set aside to honor students, parents and teachers that have passed away over the years. It’s a place where students can find peace and tranquility, read a book or just sit outside and relax if they’re having a rough day. We want to clean up the area and add some birdfeeders. The Memory Garden is located next to several floor-to-ceiling windows, so students will be able to observe the birds as they eat.”

Environmental Education Grant recipients

• Melanie Davis, Gulfport (Central Elementary School)
• Rebekah Reese, Biloxi (Biloxi High School)
• Carly Parker, Long Beach (Harper McCaughan Elementary School)
• Amber Lash-Banks, Ocean Springs (St. Martin High School)
• Leigh Hanna, Pascagoula (Pascagoula High School)
• Priscilla Flanagen, Carriere (Pearl River Middle School)
• Della Morgan, Forrest County (Forrest Co. AHS)
• Latisha Taylor, Hattiesburg (Hawkins Elementary School)
• Della Watson, Hattiesburg (Hawkins Elementary School)
• Dominique Hilton, Hattiesburg (Hawkins Elementary School)
• LaDisha Moore, Hattiesburg (Woodley Elementary School)
• Lindsey Iasty, Petal (Petal Middle School)
• Jaci Housley, Purvis (Purvis Lower Elementary School)
• Donielle Faler, Sumrall (Sumrall Elementary School)
• Jodi Cranford, Sumrall (Sumrall Elementary School)
• Stephanie Stringer, Columbia (Columbia Primary School)
• Angela Blackwell, Laurel (Maddox Elementary School)
• Celeste Saucier, Meridian (St. Patrick Elementary School)
• Beth Lang, Newton (Newton Co. Elementary School)

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for nearly 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our websites atmississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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