November 17, 2025 (Salisbury, MD) - Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) is proud to announce that SCPS educators have been awarded $30,284 in funding through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s (CFES) 2025 Education Grants cycle. The awards ceremony was recently held at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury, where educators from across the Lower Eastern Shore were recognized for their outstanding projects and commitment to student learning. The awards come at a fitting moment as SCPS kicks off American Education Week, a national celebration recognizing the dedication, innovation, and impact of educators across the country.
The CFES Education Grants program provides annual support for innovative K–12 initiatives in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties, offering educators the opportunity to launch creative projects that enhance curriculum and accelerate student learning. Applications are submitted through the CFES e-Grants online portal, and awards are traditionally announced each fall in alignment with American Education Week.
This year, eight SCPS educators received funding for programs that enrich instruction, expand hands-on learning, strengthen family engagement, and support student achievement across the county.
2025 CFES Education Grant Recipients – Somerset County Public Schools
Carter G. Woodson Elementary School – $4,927
Lisa Dize – $3,600:
To support the Gardening and Cooking Program, providing students with hands-on experiences in nutrition, agriculture, and healthy living.
Rebecca Taylor – $1,327:
To host a student art club with a focus on creative development, visual expression, and expanding access to artistic enrichment.
Crisfield Academy & High School – $4,783
Vickie Nelson – $4,783:
To provide students with access to digital cameras and film production tools, supporting media literacy and career exploration.
Deal Island Elementary School – $3,728
Kari Pusey – $3,728:
To support a series of family engagement activities designed to strengthen school-home connections and enhance student learning.
Greenwood Elementary School – $5,000
Karen Smiley – $5,000:
To provide early intervention strategies for the school’s youngest learners through targeted materials and instructional supports.
Somerset County Technical High School – $2,400
Jeff Hale – $2,400:
To develop a sustainable mentoring program connecting students with experienced industry mentors to support workforce readiness.
Somerset Intermediate School – $4,796
Kelsey Allen – $4,796:
To provide gifted and talented students with advanced learning experiences, competitions, and enrichment opportunities.
Washington Academy & High School – $4,650
Myresha Bevins – $4,650:
To support the “Future Ready: Life Skills Through Entrepreneurship” project, empowering students with financial literacy, business skills, and real-world problem-solving.
Celebrating Innovation During American Education Week
American Education Week is a time to recognize the incredible work of our teachers, and this year’s CFES grant awards shine a spotlight on the dedication and creativity of Somerset County Public Schools’ educators. These projects reflect teachers’ commitment to enriching the classroom experience and expanding opportunities for all students. The grant-funded projects will be implemented throughout the 2025–2026 school year and will directly support student engagement, academic growth, and innovative learning experiences countywide.
To learn more about the CFES Education Grants program, visit www.cfes.org.
Eight Somerset County Public Schools Educators were awarded grants for classroom projects totaling $30,284 in the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s 2025 Education Grants Program.
(L-R) Kari Pusey (Deal Island Elementary), Susan James, accepting on behalf of Jeff Hale (Somerset County Technical High School), Vickie Nelson(Crisfield Academy & High School), Rebecca Taylor (Carter G. Woodson Elementary), Karen Smiley (Greenwood Elementary), Kelsey Allen (Somerset Intermediate), Myresha Bevins (Washington Academy & High), Lisa Dize (Carter G. Woodson Elementary)