A Robbins middle school teacher will be offering a new hands-on science experience in the classroom after receiving an $850 grant through Randolph Electric Membership Corporation’s Bright Ideas program.
Brandy Enloe, who teaches at Elise Middle School, received the funding for her project, “From Fins to Flora,” which will establish an interactive aquaponics system in her classroom. The setup will allow students to explore the connections between fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria while learning about ecosystems and environmental science.
The project will give them an opportunity to observe natural cycles firsthand while developing an understanding of environmental stewardship. Students will take an active role in caring for the system by monitoring water quality, fish health, and plant growth.
The classroom installation is intended to provide learning opportunities for students for years to come.
Enloe was among 13 teachers across Randolph Electric’s service area to receive a combined $14,000 in Bright Ideas grants this year. The awards will benefit more than 2,600 students in Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, and Chatham counties through classroom projects covering subjects ranging from science and art to physical education and technology.
Randolph EMC is one of 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina that participate in the Bright Ideas program, which supports teachers developing creative ways to enhance classroom learning.
Since 1994, Randolph EMC has awarded more than $360,000 in Bright Ideas grants. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have collectively provided more than $17 million in funding for more than 16,000 projects over the past 30 years.
Applications for the next round of Bright Ideas grants will reopen in April 2027.
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Photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Melissa Schaub.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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