Innovative projects selected as Hampton Education Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary
As Hampton Education Foundation (HEF) celebrates 25 years of supporting Hampton City Schools (HCS), the Foundation is proud to announce its 2026–2027 Teacher Grant recipients, recognizing educators whose creativity and innovation are expanding learning opportunities for students.
HEF received 159 grant applications requesting more than $179,000 in funding, reflecting the continued demand for resources that support innovative teaching and learning. Following a competitive process conducted by the volunteer HEF Grants Committee, 43 projects were selected for approximately $40,000 of funding. The awards include six group innovation grants, 16 individual innovation grants, and 21 mini-grants.
Over the years, HEF has invested more than $300,000 in teacher-led innovation, supporting hands-on learning, literacy, STEM education, creative classroom resources, student wellness, and meaningful educational experiences across Hampton City Schools.
This year’s grant recipients were recognized at the 5th Annual H.E.F. Fest on Friday, November 6, 2026, at The Vanguard in downtown Hampton. The evening of live music and community celebration also marks the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary.
Group Innovation Grants — 6 Awards
School |
Educator(s) |
Project Title |
Andrews PreK-8 |
Laura Mullin and Kylie Hines |
Build the Story: An Interactive Literacy Lab |
Hampton High School |
Jennifer Menzel and Deana Kolan |
Crabber News: Building Student Voice Through Digital Journalism |
Kecoughtan High School |
Corinne Huber, Nick Conty, and Jeanne Capriotti |
Kecoughtan Show Choir Gala |
Kecoughtan High School |
Michele McDaniel and Charlene Youell |
The Warrior Product Lab: Design, Make, Test, Sell? |
Kilgore Gifted Center |
Emily Klotz and Penny Kramer |
Student Voices: Creating, Recording, and Sharing Ideas Through Audio & Video |
Syms Middle |
Tanya Perry and Dominique Coleman |
Putting It All On the Table Family Engagement
|
Individual Innovation Grants — 16 Awards
School |
Educator |
Project Title |
Asbury Elementary |
Ijanaya Muhammad |
Bridge to Brilliance: Technology-Enhanced Learning Labs for Exceptional Learners |
Bryan Elementary |
Robin Ward |
For the Love of Listening: Fostering Literacy and Imagination through Screen Free Storytelling |
Burbank Elementary |
Sherry Gwynn |
Career Planning |
Christian Elementary |
Krista Sorek |
Bringing Back Authentic Reading: After School Book Clubs |
Eaton Fundamental Middle |
Santa Williams |
Move to Learn: The Science of Human Performance |
Forrest Elementary |
Amanda Philbeck |
Growing Together: SEL, STEM, and Kindness |
Hampton High School |
Dr. Kristel Kirkland |
Grow Lab: From Seeds to Scientists |
Lindsay Middle |
Belynda Kirby |
Lindsay Girls Flag Football |
Lindsay Middle |
Carmina Vance |
Ready, Reset, Return: The Lindsay Student Wellness Lab |
Overall HCS |
Betsy McAllister |
From Classroom to Community: Growing Engaged Citizens Through Authentic Science & Oyster Restoration |
Phenix PreK-8 |
Karmen Gray |
R.I.C.H. Girls Grow: Cultivating Knowledge, Leadership & Community |
Phenix PreK-8 |
Destiny Jules |
Beyond the Classroom: Hands-On Career Discovery Lab |
Phillips Elementary |
Emily Redding |
From Amygdala Hijack to Ready to Learn! |
Phoebus High School |
Byron Hinton |
Model United Nations Conference at Phoebus High School |
Tarrant Middle |
Miyae Carter |
Engineer It! Science Makerspace: From Science Learners to Science Problem-Solvers |
Mini-Grants — 21 Awards
School |
Educator |
Project Title |
Aberdeen Elementary |
Ulisa Caddle |
Curious Kindergarteners: Little Scientists, Big Discoveries |
Aberdeen Elementary |
Iyana Council |
Create Our Very Own Paperback Books with Words and Illustrations! |
Aberdeen Elementary |
Ajah Mooring |
Read, Think, Grow: Building Confident Third-Grade Readers |
Barron Fundamental Elementary |
Jaclyn Greenwood |
Morphology Resources For Upper Elementary Students |
Bethel High School |
JakeLynn Ellis |
Hydroponic Study of Vegetables and Herbs |
Bryan Elementary |
Kimberly McNett |
Flexible Minds, Flexible Learning |
Christian Elementary |
Michelle Branch |
Take It Apart to Make It Art: A Recycled Toy Deconstruction Tool Kit |
Christian Elementary |
Renata Sims |
Sensory Corner |
Cooper Elementary |
Erika Banks |
Cougar Engineers: Building SEL, STEM, and Executive Functioning Skills Through Hands-On School Counseling Lessons |
Eaton Fundamental Middle |
Christina Horn |
Building Big Ideas: Cardboard Construction |
Eaton Fundamental Middle |
Sarah Wells |
Scope Scholastic Brings Reading to Life! |
Forrest Elementary |
Jennifer Holmes |
Bringing Stories to Life with a Tonies Listening Center |
Hampton High School |
Tami Carsillo |
James Armistead Lafayette Escape Room Project: “The Final Dispatch” |
Jackson Fundamental Elementary |
LaToya Wilson |
Sensory-Integrated Play and Learning Area |
Jones Magnet Middle |
Amy Fatek |
Make Music 6th Grade Accounts 2026 |
Kraft Elementary |
Tracye McLean |
Cubs Book Club |
Moton Early Childhood Center |
Sondra Rowe |
Mathematical Learning and Discovery |
Patriot Center |
Lauren Christopher |
School Based Occupational Therapy Supplies |
Peake Elementary |
Kelly Knox |
Learning in Full Color: Bringing Kindergarten Learning to Life |
Smith Elementary |
Heather Davis |
Rewards |
Tarrant Middle |
Deja Evans |
From Digital Design to Reality: Expanding 3D Printing in the Technology Classroom |
.png)
