A Daphne High School agriculture teacher is turning a school greenhouse into a classroom for exploring native plants, sustainable landscaping and STEM education after receiving a $2,000 grant to launch her innovative teaching project.

Elizabeth Tipton is the only educator from Alabama among 50 recipients of Voya Financial’s 2026 Unsung Heroes awards, according to a news release. The grant will help Tipton bring her “From Seed to Suburb” project to life with hands-on learning opportunities for high school agriculture students.

The project will have students establish a native plant propagation system in the school greenhouse, where they plan to grow regionally adapted species such as milkweed, coneflower and goldenrod. Students will investigate germination methods, propagation techniques and soil conditions while collecting measurable data on plant growth and survival.

The lessons will extend beyond the greenhouse. Using what they learn, students will design and construct a small demonstration garden that models sustainable home landscaping practices appropriate for suburban yards.

The project incorporates science, technology, engineering and mathematics through plant biology, soil science, ecological monitoring and landscape design.

Per the release, Tipton plans to use the grant funding to purchase native plant seeds and starter plants, propagation trays and flats, soil testing kits, plant labels and materials for observing pollinators.

The project is among 50 selected from hundreds of applications submitted to the national competition. Tipton will now compete with the other finalists for one of three additional prizes: $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place or $25,000 for first place.

“Great educators don’t just teach; they create opportunities, unlock confidence, and help students see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. The recipients of this year’s Voya Unsung Heroes Awards reflect the extraordinary impact happening in classrooms every day,” said Jon Reilly, senior vice president of retail wealth management and advisory solutions at Voya Financial, in the release. “We’re honored to celebrate these educators whose dedication and innovation are helping shape brighter futures for their students and their communities."

The Voya Unsung Heroes program has provided grants to K-12 educators in the United States for 30 years, supporting innovative teaching methods and creative educational projects. Since the program began in 1996, Voya said it has awarded more than $6.66 million to 2,710 educators.

Unsung Heroes is part of the Voya Foundation’s Voya Teacher Voices program, which focuses on empowering teachers as leaders by promoting the teaching profession, recognizing high-achieving educators, providing training opportunities and offering financial support to help teachers achieve their goals.

More information about this year’s winning projects and previous recipients is available at www.unsungheroes.com. Applications for the 2027 Voya Unsung Heroes grant also are available at the website.