MT. VERNON – The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce recently awarded grants to teachers throughout the county.

According to the Chamber, the Education Council of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce recently awarded 19 grants to teachers throughout the county.

In all, the Chamber awarded around $6,900, through the efforts of Council members and thanks, in large, to a $5,800 donation from the United Way of South Central Illinois 19 of the 44 applications were funded. Legence Bank also contributed $500 to sponsor one of the grants.

Schools receiving the grants include Bluford Grade School, McClellan Grade School, Mount Vernon District 80 Primary Center, Mount Vernon Township High School, ROE 13 Alternative School, Rome Grade School, Spring Garden Grade School, St. Mary’s Grade School, Waltonville Grade School, and Woodlawn Grade School and High School.

The teachers receiving awards included Keli Tate, Michelle Montgomery, Erin Berry, Michele Smith, Michelle Miller, Hillary Cope, Jessica Stout, Tiffany Delaney, Anita Allen, Brittany Short, Nikki Bauer-Prost, Stacey Hulbert, Audra Bates, Kenzie Rankin, Charles Pool, Stacey Spotanski, Jessie Wallis, Jessica Case, and April Flexter.

The grant money will be used to fund a wide variety of equipment that will benefit students including social-emotional curriculum, art supplies, books, mental health equipment, calculators, PE equipment, science curriculum, field trips, and flexible furniture.