News & Events

Mid-Carolina Electric Awards Record Number of Bright Ideas Grants

This October, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative awarded a record 27 Bright Ideas grants to educators across its service territory, supporting creative classroom projects in 19 schools. The grants help bring innovative ideas to life and give students opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Since the Bright Ideas Grant Program began, Mid-Carolina Electric has awarded more than 200 grants to local educators. The program supports projects in science, technology, literacy, the arts and more, helping teachers introduce creative approaches to learning and giving students new ways to engage with their education.

“We want to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Bob Paulling, president and CEO of Mid-Carolina Electric. “Supporting education and our educators is one of the best investments we can make. Bright Ideas gives us the opportunity to support local educators and assist them in providing students with creative learning opportunities.”

Congratulations to our 2026 Bright Ideas grant recipients!

This year's recipients represent 18 schools across Mid-Carolina Electric's service territory:

Airport High School: Molly Currin
Ballentine Elementary School: Wendy Price
Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School: Stephanie Shealy
Batesburg-Leesville High School: Leslie Campbell
Beechwood Middle School: Casey Monette, Whitney Jordan and Paulette Norris
Brookland-Cayce High School: Haley Williamson
Cayce Elementary School: Amanda Mills
Center for Advanced Technical Studies: Kylie Cathcart and Sherry Clapp
H. E. Corley Elementary Leadership Magnet: Ashley Gross
Harbison West Elementary School: Kayla Williams
Hollywood Elementary School: Kimberly Shealy
Irmo High School: Ashley Evans and Catina Thomas
Lexington Technology Center: Kim Taylor
Midway Elementary School: Kelly Parker and Kelli Rooks
Northside Middle School: Jessica Kelly
River Bluff High School: Jennifer Gibbons
Saluda Elementary School: Kayla Hite and Meredith Miller-Rikard
Saluda Middle School: Tiffany Cashatt, Chelsea Thomas and Ali Stigall
Seven Oaks Elementary School: Paul Duggan

Bright Ideas grants are available to kindergarten through 12th-grade educators in Lexington County school districts One, Two, Three and Five, as well as Saluda County School District. Teachers can apply for funding for innovative classroom projects that engage students, encourage creativity and support educational success.

Each fall, Mid-Carolina Electric celebrates grant recipients by visiting schools throughout its service territory to personally deliver awards. These visits often include surprise presentations in front of students and colleagues, making the annual tradition a special opportunity to recognize educators and their dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences.

Educators interested in applying for a 2027 Bright Ideas grant or learning more about the program should watch for future announcements here.