Innovative programs continue to be an integral part of the instructional experience for Tri-Creek School Corporation students, thanks to the support of the Tri-Creek Education Foundation, Inc.

 

The Foundation’s 24th annual competitive grant opportunity has awarded over $25,000, made possible by generous community support.

 

Members of the Foundation’s Grant Committee introduced the 2026 recipients of ten grant awards, which will impact Tri-Creek students at all grade levels, at the Tri-Creek School Corporation Board of School Trustees’ meeting held on Thursday, October 8, 2026.  The following Tri-Creek staff members received funding for creative programs and educational activities.

 

• Nick Curatolo, Lowell Middle School – $1,425 -  LMS Band Conductor Mothership and $1,550 – LMS Beginning Percussion

 

• Kim Harris, Lake Prairie Elementary School - $1,000 – Growing Calm, Confidence, and Connection with Go Zen

 

• Jennifer Wilson, Lowell Intermediate School/Lowell Middle School - $6,350 – Building Skills through Robotics

 

• Randy Bogathy, Lowell High School - $3,500 – Communication Under Pressure:  Student Communication, Conflict Resolution, and De-Escalation

 

• Channing Chandler, Three Creeks - $2,320 – Library Makerspace – “The Bear Makery” Where TC Bears Read, Imagine, and Create

 

• Wendy Pitcock, Lowell Middle School - $2,510 – Building Thinkers:  Transforming Math Classrooms

 

• Sarah Kaplanis, Lowell Intermediate School – $1,720 – Eco-Explorers – Modeling Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

 

• Austin Shelley, Three Creeks - $2,850 – Guitars for Three Creeks

 

• Erinn Malaski & Jillian VanDeursen - Lowell Middle School - $2,000 – The Show Must Grow On:  Year Two of Middle School Theater

 

Also, for the 13th consecutive year, the Foundation has been able to share a generous bequest from the Ruth and Joe Weinberg estate to fund several other projects.  These projects have become part of Tri-Creek’s culture and tradition, and TCEF is happy to continue supporting them.

 

• Lowell High School Red Devil Mentor Program - $5,000

• Lowell Middle School Eighth Grade Trip - $5,000

• Lowell High School EV GoKart Team - $1,500

• Robotics teams at Three Creeks, Oak Hill, Lake Prairie, Lowell Intermediate School, and Lowell Middle School - $1,200 per school for a total of $6,000

• Camp Invention STEM Enrichment, student scholarships - $750

• Kindergarten Book Giveaway - $891

• Lowell Intermediate School Galaxy on the Go - $1,750

• Lowell High School Dual Credit and Certifications - $2,500

 

Tri-Creek Education Foundation’s motto is “Great communities begin with great educational opportunities for their youth.”  Since 2001 TCEF has donated over $567,000 in grants to staff members, and facilitated and awarded $1,280,000 in scholarships.