LEADERS EDUCATION FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $35,000 TO LOCAL EDUCATORS WITH L.E.A.D.S. GRANTS

Last Updated 10/27/2025

Leaders Education Foundation awarded $35,000 in L.E.A.D.S. Educator Grants to educators across West Tennessee.

JACKSON, Tenn. (October 21, 2025) – Leaders Education Foundation, a non-profit 5019c3, hosted a ceremony at Union University awarding $35,000 to West Tennessee educators through the L.E.A.D.S. Educator Grant program. The L.E.A.D.S Grant program awards grants to local educators whose initiatives empower students to Learn, Experience, Advocate, Dream, and Serve. To be eligible for these grants, educators were required to be in public and private K-12 schools, Technical Schools, University, and Colleges in West Tennessee. “Teachers make a tremendous impact on their students each year, often dedicating their own time and resources to help them succeed,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation. “We hope the L.E.A.D.S. Grants serve as another way to provide valuable resources and opportunities for both teachers and students—whether that’s supporting a field trip, enhancing classroom learning, or funding professional development.” Twenty-five Classroom Grant recipients were given $1,000 each by submitting a video highlighting their idea, vision, or project that was voted on by the public on the Foundation’s Facebook page. These videos reached over 100,000 people with over 13,000 likes and shares, which served as the votes. They are encouraged to pour the money back into their classrooms; they will be able to use these funds towards needs they have for their students, such as new books, school-wide projects, or a STEM initiative. Six educators received Professional Development Grants to use for their growth in pursuing a certification, taking a development class, or another educational opportunity. The ten Teacher Appreciation Grants were applied for by a principal or school administrator, and they each received $500. These leaders can use this money to purchase classroom supplies, materials, or goodies to celebrate other teachers or staff.

Recipients of the L.E.A.D.S Classroom Grants include:

Nieta Austin, Northeast Middle School
Lindsey Barnes, Community Montessori School
Julie Cartwright, South Gibson County Elementary School
Hillary Clifft, Carroll County Technical School
Bridgette Cobb, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest
Cheryl Currie, Isaac Lane Elementary
Samantha Ellis, South Gibson County Elementary School
Rebecca Holloway, Union University EDGE Program
Katie Howard, Houston Middle School
Cacey Jones, JCM-Early College High School
Laura LaPorte, Elmore Park Middle School
Eugene Clark, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High
Elizabeth (Libby) Lynch, Humboldt Junior Senior High School
Kimberly McNeal, Denmark Elementary School
Jenna Patton, Central High School
Rita Perry, Jackson Central Merry High School
Erin Piefer, West Bemis Middle School
Katilyn Rushing, Arlington Elementary School
Morgan Shaw, South Gibson County High School
Danielle Shaw-Jones, North Side High School
Janet Sweeney, South Elementary School
William Thierfelder, Union University
Jessica Watson, Central High School
Dr. Christopher White, Freed-Hardeman University
Kimberly Woodard, Stigall Primary

Recipients of the L.E.A.D.S Professional Development Grants include:

Kristin Backus, Fayette Academy
Matt Davis, Collegiate School of Memphis
Amy Howard, Fayette Academy
Katrina Ware, Bartlett High School
Brandi Welch, West Chester Elementary and Jacks Creek Elementary
Sharon Clark, Sunny Hill

Intermediate School Recipients of the L.E.A.D.S Teacher Appreciation Grants include:

Chontel Bridgeman, North Parkway Middle School
Sharon Clark, Sunny Hill Intermediate School
Tisa Day, Nova Early Learning Center
Dr. Jody Hinson, Rutherford School
Natalie Lax, Chester County Middle School
Chris Lownsdale, Obion County Central High School
Holly Peale, Huntingdon Primary School
Carrie Regalado, Lake County High School
Jeanna Rice, Thelma Barker Elementary
Tiffany Silvers, West Bemis Middle

School To learn how to apply for L.E.A.D.S. Grants in the future, visit leadersgives.org/grants. Become a supporter of Leaders Education Foundation to empower educators and students in our community by visiting leadersgives.org. About Leaders Education Foundation Leaders Education Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization, founded in 2019, as a mission-driven organization dedicated to uplifting communities across West Tennessee through education. Guided by its core mission to 'Make Lives Better, Together,' the Foundation invests in the future by supporting students, educators, and educational initiatives. At the heart of the Foundation’s work are scholarships and educator grants that empower individuals to pursue academic and professional growth. These programs provide critical financial support and recognition to those who are shaping the future through learning and teaching. Through partnerships and programming, it provides resources for meaningful impact in schools and neighborhoods.

Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation, welcomed guests and led the invocation for grant recipients.

The celebration event was held at Union University and featured a performance by the student-led Voices of Proclamation.

The $35,000 in funding supported Classroom Grants, Professional Development Grants, and Teacher Appreciation Grants.

Educators can use the grant funds to enhance classroom learning, support field trips, or provide other educational opportunities.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate and support the honored educators.

A note from the Chamber.....

Congratulations to Sharon Clark of Haywood County Schools, Sunny Hill Intermediate School, on receiving both a L.E.A.D.S. Professional Development Grant and a Teacher Appreciation Grant from the Leaders Education Foundation! Your dedication to growth and commitment to empowering students exemplify excellence in education across West Tennessee. The Chamber celebrates your outstanding achievement and the positive impact you continue to make in our community’s schools.