Gazebo Gazette
A Harrison County man’s generosity will help teachers turn their innovative classroom ideas into reality. The Harrison County School District announced the first recipients of the Darrell Saucier Innovative Classroom Grant. District leaders will be awarding up to ten $1,000 grants to Harrison County School District teachers and assistant teachers to fund original projects that help stimulate learning among students. The special grant presentation will take place during the Harrison County School Board meeting.
The Darrell Saucier Innovative Classroom Grant was established in June of 2019 to ensure outstanding Harrison County School District teachers and teacher assistants have access to funds to help engage students for many years to come. These awards were made possible by Mr. Darrell Saucier, who passed away earlier this year and named the Harrison County School District as the beneficiary of his savings account. Mr. Saucier’s gift of $642,884.84 was the largest donation in HCSD’s 63-year history.
Along with the Innovative Classroom Grants, HCSD is using Mr. Saucier’s large donation to support new and future teachers. This past August, HCSD awarded $250 grants to 36 first-time teachers in the district. Plus, up to ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded annually to Harrison County School District seniors and graduating juniors who are majoring in education. By supporting educators and their creative classroom curriculum, the Harrison County School District is honoring the legacy of Mr. Saucier, who had a reverence for education and a strong belief in community service.
Additionally, Pineville Elementary hosted a National Blue Ribbon School celebration Friday morning.
Pineville Elementary was among 362 schools recognized by the U. S. Department of Education as 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools, based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among students. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as an inspiration and a model for schools that are striving for excellence.
Pineville will receive the coveted award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November.
