Chillicothe, MO – October 29, 2025 – The Chillicothe Education Foundation is thrilled to announce the awarding of $7,054.91 in mini grants to several committed teachers from the Chillicothe R-II School District. This Wednesday morning, Ed Douglas, the foundation president; Susan Fair, a board member; and Dr. Dan Wiebers, the Superintendent of Schools and a foundation member, surprised educators in their classrooms by presenting them with certificates in recognition of their innovative projects designed to enhance student learning.
Out of 38 applications received, 13 mini grants were awarded, showcasing the creativity and commitment of the educators in the district. The winners and their projects are as follows:
Andrea Beck, CES 4th Grade - $500 for "We the People: Understanding Government Through PBL"; CES PK-5th Grade - $403.65 for "Empowering Students with Safety Knowledge through Literature"
Riley Dodson, CES 4th Grade - $495.04 (funded by the Patty Palmer Foundation) for "Voice of 1776 and Beyond"
Shelby Heckman, CES/TK Kindergarten - $310.24 for "Calm, Connected, Capable"
Maddie Book, CES First Grade - $464.12 for "Feeling Puzzled?"
Janell Falconer, CMS 8th Grade Science - $420 for "Bits of Science, Bytes of Learning"
Roman Cranmer, CMS 6th-8th Grade PE - $445 for "Dumbbells and Dumbbell Rack for CMS"
Leslie Miller, CMS Special Education - $514 for "Tools for Focus, Paths for Growth"
Samantha Yoko, CHS 9-12 Science - $670.35 for "I Like Big Beakers and I Cannot Lie"
Kim Kieffer, CHS 11th-12th Special Education - $968.27 for "Tool Box for Transition"
Sarah Cavanah, CHS 6th-12th Band - $1,345 (with $500 funded by Susan Fair and $845 funded by the Chillicothe Education Foundation) for "From First Notes to Final Concerts: Building Musicians for Life"
Bekah Anderson, CHS 9th-12th Art - $439.24 for "Roll n Clay"
Soja Daley, GRTS 11th-12th Health Science Technology - $500 (funded by Susan Fair) for "Asylums to Awareness: The Science of Compassionate Care"
The mini grants are designed to support innovative teaching methods and enhance the educational experience for students across the district. The Chillicothe Education Foundation continues to play a vital role in fostering a strong culture of learning and engagement within the community, aligning with the district's vision of "Building a Brighter Future For Our Children And Our Community."