FCCLA and the TSA students won $10,000 grand prizes in Ignite Grant Competition

ETC held its first Ignite Grant competition this year.  The award ceremony was on Tuesday March 21^st in Ellijay.  The process consisted of schools in the ETC viewing area submitting 5 minute videos explaining their idea.  These videos were judged and finalists were selected.  FCHS had two teams selected as finalists.  More information on the ETC Ignite Grant can be found at:  http://marketing.etcnow.com/acton/media/10903/etc-ignite-education-grant

 

Mrs. Lynn Burch’s FCCLA students presented an idea to build a Legacy Learning Lab.  Jessie DeCosta, Jordan Anderson, and Justin Wheat submitted a video and then made a presentation to the ETC judges.  The Legacy Learning Lab is being built in collaboration with the FCHS construction class and will be used as an outdoor classroom and garden.  It will feature hydroponics, heirloom vegetables and herbs, a gazebo, and memorial brick garden for educators.

 

Mr. Bubba Gibbs’ TSA students presented an idea to build a Video Studio as part of the media center.  Will Garland, Logan Gerald, and Thomas Ward created a video to showcase the idea.  Will, Logan, Hunter Alexander, Lora Gwatney, and Maddie Crain then traveled to ETC to present the actual project details to the ETC Judges.  The Video Studio will give FCHS a place to produce a daily news program and create educational videos to support academic classes.  Students will be able to reserve the studio to pursue their creative ideas in the form of video production.

 

At the awards ceremony, both the FCCLA and the TSA students won the $10,000 grand prizes!  It was an honor for FCHS to be able to win both grants, and the students did an excellent job outlining how the grants would be spent.  The ETC Ignite process gave these students the opportunity to be creative and demonstrate their presentation skills and knowledge in an environment outside of the normal classroom.  In addition to the $10,000 awards, each team also received a $500 check for being a top 4 finalist.  The grant money was presented to the schools at the awards banquet, and both teams are preparing to implement their projects.  It is expected that both projects will be operational by the end of the school year.

 

Gibbs “I am so proud of the work done by these students.  They spent several hours of their personal time working on these projects for the benefit of their schools.  Both of these projects will have a lasting impact on faculty and students at FCHS for years to come.  It is great to see the talented students at FCHS showcasing their abilities outside of their normal classroom environment.”

 

Hunter Alexander, TSA President and Ignite Team Member “Before we went, I was confident that we had won.  When they announced the first winner, it was the other FCHS team, and our team’s hearts sank thinking we had not won.  We all held hands waiting for the next winner to be announced, and when we heard the word “Fannin” we jumped out of our seats congratulating each other.  We are really proud to be winners and we are also happy that the other FCHS team won as well.”

 

If you would like any additional information, please contact Bubba Gibbs at 706-632-2081.

 

Photos.  All L to R

 

IMG0341 – taken after both teams presented their project plans to the ETC Judges in the Fall

Lora Gwatney, Will Garland, Logan Gerald, Maddie Crain, Hunter Alexander, Jordan Anderson, Jessie DeCosta, and Justin Wheat

 

IMG0512 – taken after both teams were presented their $10,000 grants!

 

Jessie DeCosta, Jordan Anderson, Justin Wheat, Lora Gwatney, Maddie Crain, Hunter Alexander, and Logan Gerald (not pictured Will Garland)

 

IMG1785 – the FCCLA Team

 

 

Jessie DeCosta, Jordan Anderson, Justin Wheat

 

 

IMG 0510 – the TSA Team

Lora Gwatney, Maddie Crain, Hunter Alexander, and Logan Gerald (not pictured Will Garland)

 

 

 

The Fannin County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, creed, or disability in admission to its programs, services, and activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. For additional information or referral to the appropriate system coordinator, contact the system superintendent’s office at 2290 East First Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513 or 706-632-3771.   ­­