STCU awards $10,000 in classroom grants

A trio of Bonner County teachers are receiving $100 classroom grants as part of STCU’s efforts to support area educators at schools in the region.

The not-for-profit credit union, which was founded by teachers, is honoring its roots by awarding the grants to 100 educators in eastern and central Washington and North Idaho — a total of $10,000 to winners drawn at random. Winners can spend their $100 grant on anything that will enhance students’ classroom experience, whether a basic need or something special.

The online drawing was open to teachers, counselors, and similar classroom-based positions at public and private districts served by Washington ESDs 101, 123 and 171, or in the eight northernmost counties of Idaho. It is the ninth year that STCU has offered the grant drawings, which have been greatly expanded in recent years to include more recipients. Winners come from 68 different school districts and private schools.

In Bonner County, those picked for the grant are Jennifer Riddle, Priest River Elementary School, West Bonner County School District; Jerry England, Priest River Lamanna High School, West Bonner County School District; and Nancy Williams, Kootenai Elementary School, Lake Pend Oreille School District.