Dr. Lynn Clayton Prince and Powhatan Education Foundation representatives announced seven Classroom Innovation Grant winners and introduced each project before the board.

The foundation received 17 requests and funded seven projects for a combined $16,168.09, Dr. Prince said. Recipients included Lauren Jacobs and Paul Schmartson for “Touch and Learn,” Kelly Terry and Kristen Benson for an interactive ViewSonic board project, and a traveling planetarium to support grade‑level science instruction. Other funded projects included a thermal‑energy activity, a Powering the Future STEM project for Pocahontas Elementary, a Second Grade Outdoor Learning Space (Jana Ford and Caitlin Gordon), and a Renaissance Festival program (Althea Hudson, accepted by Tracy Engle).

“We will start with our first award recipient Lauren Jacobs and Paul Schmartson… Touch and Learn, an interactive display to ignite curiosity in the high school,” Dr. Prince said. She described how funded projects will expand hands‑on learning, allow students to present digital content and connect curriculum to community partners.

Board members and audience members applauded as recipients were invited forward for photos and recognition. The foundation noted that awards are intended to align with district curricular goals, support student development and encourage community partnership.

The presentation closed with an invitation for board members to join recipients onstage for pictures and with thanks to the PEF committee members who reviewed applications.

No formal action beyond recognition was recorded in the transcript; the presentation served as public acknowledgment of grant awards and the projects they will support.