St. Pauls High School

Lumbee River EMC awarded more than $53,000 in Bright Ideas grants to 34 local teachers across Hoke, Robeson, Scotland, Cumberland, and Moore counties. These grants fund innovative, hands-on classroom projects designed to enhance learning and spark student creativity in grades K–12.

“Each year, Lumbee River EMC invests in the future of our children by empowering educators to bring creative ideas to life,” said Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “We are extremely grateful for this opportunity and proud of our educators who continuously go above and beyond to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for our students.”

Robeson County Bright Ideas Grant Recipients:

• Anna Gudauskas, St. Pauls High

• Christina Johanna Hayles, St. Pauls Middle

• Courtney Locklear, Southside-Ashpole Elementary

• Denise Lynn Douglas, Prospect Elementary

• Edward Chan-Wei Chang, Lumberton Senior High

• Kayla Hendrix, Peterson Elementary

• Lakola Cook, Magnolia Elementary

• Laura Ashley Clark, Magnolia Elementary

• Martha Mauldin, St. Pauls Elementary

• Nicole Strickland, Red Springs High

• Rae Don Hardin, Deep Branch Elementary

• Richard C. Jones, Pembroke Middle

• Sandra Paula Lopez Franco, L. Gilbert Carroll Middle

• Stephanie Thomas, Rex-Rennert Elementary

These educators join thousands of teachers statewide who have benefited from the Bright Ideas grant program since its creation more than 30 years ago. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have collectively awarded over $16.5 million to support nearly 15,400 projects, benefiting close to four million students across the state.

The program reflects Lumbee River EMC’s commitment to “building a brighter future” through education and community investment. Applications for the next cycle of Bright Ideas grants will open in April 2026.

To learn more, visit www.ncbrightideas.com