Lumbee River EMC proudly awarded more than $42,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to 38 outstanding educators during its 2026 Bright Ideas Education Grant Luncheon at its Pembroke headquarters. Through the Bright Ideas grant program, LREMC supports K–12 teachers by funding innovative projects that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and bring learning to life.
This year’s recipients represent schools across Cumberland, Robeson, and Scotland counties. Their projects will create engaging, hands-on learning opportunities in subjects including music, art, reading, science, technology, math, and engineering.
Congratulations to our 2026 Bright Ideas grant recipients:
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Danyel Luv Jolicoeur — Pembroke Elementary
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ZTyla Harrison — E E Miller Elementary
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Doretha Mae Sampson — Pembroke Elementary
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William Manning — South Johnson Elementary
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Thomas Z. Jones — L G Carroll Middle
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Christian Dylan Chavis — Robeson Co Career Center
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Hannah Bray-Jacobs — South Johnson Elementary
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Juanita Cox — Douglas Byrd High
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Tonya LaNetta Washington — South View High
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Frances Patterson — Red Springs High
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Carly Hichkad — E E Miller Elementary
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Su Jackson — E E Miller Elementary
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Bobbie Jo Mclean — Union Elementary
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Carlos Javier Luengas Ovalle — Lumberton Senior High
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Henry L Langam Jr — E E Miller Elementary
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Stacie Evans — Sycamore Lane Elementary School
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Amy Robinson Elliott — Douglas Byrd High
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Elizabeth Burris — South Johnson Elementary
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Daren Roy — E E Miller Elementary
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Dennis McArthur — Spring Hill Middle
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Frances McLean — Sycamore Lane Primary School
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Gertie Locklear-Mariani — Purnell Swett High
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Jennifer Jackson — Wagram Primary
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Jodie Lee Hunt — Southside/Ashpole Elementary
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Kimberly Denise Hunt — Union Elementary
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Rileigh Denise Hunt — Fairgrove Elementary
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Stacie Danette Nutting — Prospect Elementary
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Juhainaliza Canakan — Sycamore Lane Primary School
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Michael Canakan — Scotland High
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Taylor Chavis — Union Elementary
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Charlette Ezenwanne — Red Springs Middle
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Makaila Clark — Rosenwald Elementary
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Mary Gonzalez — Peterson Elementary
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Rose Hedgpeth — Flora Macdonald Academy
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Whitney Steen — Purnell Swett High
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Demetrious Vasquez — Spring Hill Middle
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Stacy Frazer — South View High
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Vanessa Hunt — Old Main Stream Academy
We are proud to support these educators as they turn bright ideas into meaningful experiences for their students. Thank you for your dedication, imagination, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of thinkers and leaders!