NC Beautiful Announces Recipients of 2011 Windows of Opportunity Grants

RALEIGH, NC, January 14, 2011 (Press-News.org) NC Beautiful, a provider of environmental education and beautification opportunities that elevate the quality of life of North Carolinians, has announced this year's recipients of the organization's environmental education grants. Eight schools were awarded Windows of Opportunity Grants (WOOG) that are available to certified, full-time K-12 teachers in the state of North Carolina.

Windows of Opportunity provides up to $1,000 grants to NC teachers to reward their creativity fostering environmental stewardship, leadership, and awareness and initiating a sense of community service. Each grant applicant was required to complete a five-section online application that included a two-page project narrative, budget, and commitment letter, which commits the school to complete the projected work. Each school must use its grant by June 2011.

WOOG recipient Allison Brower (NBCT), a third-grade teacher and lead mentor at Zeb Vance Elementary, was thrilled to hear of her school's award. "What amazing news!!!!!" Brower responded via email upon receiving the good news. "Thank you for making me so happy but most importantly, thank you for contributing to our goal of educating students that are well rounded individuals. You have truly made my DAY!!"

NC Beautiful Executive Director, Steve Vacendak, says that the goal of NC Beautiful is to annually offer a Windows of Opportunity grant in all 100 counties in North Carolina. "Promoting and fostering environmental stewardship is a state-wide commitment," says Vacendak. "NC Beautiful remains committed to expanding our communication efforts to ensure that every school in the state has the opportunity to take advantage of this valuable resource so that everyone can connect to make North Carolina beautiful."

The Windows of Opportunity Grants were created to cultivate an appreciation of natural environments by helping children get out of school and into natural settings. The grants also build leadership awareness, develop environmental educational mentors and ambassadors, create materials and resources that can be used by other K-12 students, and develop a sustainable, outdoor program, which will continue well after the grant period ends.

The following is a list of the 2011 Windows of Opportunity Grant recipients, including name of the teacher(s) submitting the winning entry:

• Allison Brower and Joy Suther, Zeb Vance Elementary School, Kittrell (Vance County)
• Mary Ellen Horne, Yancey County Learning Academy, Burnsville (Yancey County)
• Cliff Hudson, Riverside High School, Williamston (Martin County)
• Elizabeth Jackson, Southeast Elementary School, Kinston (Lenoir County)
• Amy Jenkins, Southern High School, Durham (Durham County)
• Glenna Markham, Grandy Primary School, Camden (Camden County)
• Ann Marie Edquist Davis, Heritage Middle School, Wake Forest (Wake County)
• Bess Adcock, Granville Central High School, Stem (Granville County)

About NC Beautiful
NC Beautiful has been part of the state's environmental preservation community for over 40 years—supporting awareness, education and beautification efforts that affect our quality of life. Today, we concentrate on hands-on and merit-based programs designed to empower our citizens to preserve the natural beauty of the state of North Carolina. Whether it's school children building outdoor classrooms, graduate students developing cutting edge research, or a Boy Scout troop planting azaleas at an elder care facility, we make it possible for North Carolinians to keep NC Beautiful. For more information, visit http://www.ncbeautiful.org.

Media Contacts
Steve Vacendak, Executive Director, NC Beautiful
(919) 828-3190 / svacendak@ncbeautiful.org

Louise Carey, Programs Manager, NC Beautiful
(919) 828-3190 / lcarey@ncbeautiful.org