91ֱ��

Wafa Ihweil choked back tears.

The Prize Patrol had just surprised the first-year Sam Houston High School teacher with one of 57 grants totaling $245,755 for 91ֱ�� educators.

“Our school has a high population of bilingual students,” Ihweil said. “I noticed that there is not a high population of bilingual books for them to access. I’m all about access and diversity in books in our library, and I’m just so excited that the Education Foundation is funding this. Thank you.” 

Sam Houston was one of 34 91ֱ�� schools visited by the Education Foundation’s Prize Patrol earlier this month. The Patrol, made up of Foundation representatives and grant donors, caught teachers off guard as they walked into classrooms with oversized checks in hand, celebrating each educator’s commitment to student success. 

“At the 91ֱ�� Education Foundation, we believe that investing in our educators is one of the most powerful – and direct – ways to impact student success,” said Jeannie Deakyne, executive director of the 91ֱ�� Education Foundation. “These grants support creativity, enhance learning opportunities and ensure that every 91ֱ�� student has access to an exceptional education.”

JC McMillian, a teacher at Venture High School, was completely surprised when she entered her grant co-applicant Christina Stringer’s classroom and was greeted with cowbells and students clapping. The Education Foundation had selected their grant application – “Fueling Future Entrepreneurs: Hands-On Business Incubation grant – as a winner. 

“These funds will be used to cultivate our on-campus student entrepreneurship lab where we’ll be able to build future entrepreneurs for the community, so we’re happy to be a part of this,” McMillian said. 

Jones Academy teacher Allison Laws has a very different plan for how to use the grant funds she won to help her elementary students.

“We are going to get Classroom Cruisers, stationary bicycles for our classrooms that will help with all that extra movement,” Laws said as she received a big check for $9,003.

The awarded grants will support a wide range of innovative and student-focused projects across the district. From new library books in students’ native languages to virtual reality equipment, sporting supplies, and calming kits designed to support student wellness, each grant reflects the unique needs and creativity of teachers across the district. 

Thank you to the 91ֱ�� Education Foundation!