For its 33rd year conferring awards to local teachers, the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has partnered with Verizon to award a total of $48,000 in grants. These grants will enhance classrooms and curriculum throughout the region, reaching thousands of students. 31 teachers from Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties will have funding for professional trainings, cutting-edge equipment and innovative projects.
“Our Partnership in Education awards are a true community undertaking. Bridging the generosity of individual and corporate donors, the discernment of our committed volunteers, and the creativity of our teachers, these grants are directly investing in our region,” said March Gallagher, President & CEO. “Building on their previous sponsorship, Verizon has taken on a leadership role in promoting excellence in STEM – and we are profoundly grateful.” 
“Our mission is to create the connections that turn innovative ideas into reality,” said Chip Lawrence, Senior Manager at Verizon. “The Community Foundations has helped to link our vision with worthy projects on the ground in the Hudson Valley. Through these grants we are proud to support the teachers shaping our future.”
Grants were made through the following programs:

• Verizon Foundation STEM Grants fund science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects, activities and equipment;
• HealthQuest Taconic IPA Science Education Grants fund teachers to expand learning in the sciences through acquisition of classroom and laboratory science equipment in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties;
• The Fund for Excellence in Education grants for special projects and professional development for teachers Pre-K – 12, at public, parochial and private/independent schools;
• The Dennis J. Markle Community Service Awards granting community service projects; and
• The David Kennon Moody Award for teaching writing.

 
The Community Foundations staff and Board of Trustees congratulate the 2018 winners:
  Gian Ascione
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School
 
Jennifer Burke
Poughkeepsie Middle School
 
Lisa Dunne
Hawk Meadow Montessori School
 
Colleen Flood
Mill Road Elementary School

Evan Kanouse
Mizzentop Day School
 
Mary Langenau
North Park Elementary School
 
Victoria Mastrantuono
Glenham Elementary School
 
Andrew Nikola
Vassar Road Elementary School
 
Laura Olsen
Mizzentop Day School
 
Cynthia Ramsey
Hyde Park Central School District
 
Shannon Varekamp
Rombout Middle School


HealthQuest Taconic IPA Science Education Grants

Alison Andolino
Kingston High School

Lisa Dunne
Hawk Meadow Montessori School

Sheryl Hawks
Beacon High School

Grace Johnston
Kingston High School

Matthew Mayer
Newburgh Free Academy

Melanie Monda
Newburgh Free Academy

Gwen Saylor
Arlington High School

Miriam Straus
Oakwood Friends School

  George Fischer Middle School
 
Christopher Barrie
George Fischer Middle School
 
Margaret Buckland
G.W. Krieger Elementary School

Megan Cooke
John Jay High School
 
Stephen Kekoa Miller
Oakwood Friends School
 
Jessica McAuley
Kent Primary School
 
Robin Shornstein
Woodstock Day School
 
Allison Woolston
Carmel High School PACE Program
 
Elizabeth Roche
Sargent Elementary School
  Laura Collins
North Park Elementary School
 
Dawn Hammond
Sargent Elementary School

  Victoria Curry
G.W. Krieger Elementary School