Daphne Utilities held its annual grant day on Oct. 30, where representatives stopped by three Daphne schools to award teacher grants.

The funds assist teachers with STEM, utility-related and environmental projects. Each teacher earned $1,000 toward a variety of student projects.

"Each year, I'm thrilled to surprise our local teachers and see them bring creative ideas to life through our grant program. I can't wait to see the projects these five teachers complete this year," Chief Communications Officer Samantha Coppels said.

Recipients of the grants included Allison Thomas from Daphne Elementary School, Lauren Lee and Abigail Fleming from Belforest Elementary School and Shannon Rodgers and Jaime Fairey from Daphne Middle School.

Thomas earned a grant for her first-grade recycling project "Recycle Rangers" where students will learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle at school.

Lee plans to create a sensory-centered space called "Shimmer and Calm, Energy in Motion Project" to help first-grade students explore energy, motion and self-regulation with funds she received.

Fleming, with fourth-grade students, will use grant funding for her "Sprout Squad Hydroponic Exploration," which will lead the gardening club to maintain two outdoor hydroponic systems and provide a hands-on learning experience for students to explore sustainable growing methods, water conservation and food production.

Rodgers is to implement "Growing Healthy Citizens" with the creation of a school garden that will include a hydroponic station, rain barrels and a composter barrel. This project is set to support students as they pursue educational opportunities in service-related areas and will supplement classroom instruction relating to water management, sustainability and conservation.

Fairey plans to use funding for her "Solutions to Environmental Issues Around the World" project, which has the purpose of engaging students in innovative, hands-on learning experiences focused on geography and environmental issues. Students will plan, design and build models to present.

For more information on the Daphne Utilities grant program, contact (251) 626-2628 or visit www.daphneutilities.com.