Every Kid Counts Oklahoma (EKCO) is partnering with local businesses for a second year to award innovative Oklahoma educators throughout the state with a $1,000 scholarship that goes directly to their classroom.
EKCO partnered with Dr. Josh Brasher from Legacy Dental and presented a $1,000 scholarship to Redbud Elementary School 4th grade teacher Jeanna Gragg for her outstanding work to innovate in the classroom.
“Oklahoma educators are some of the best and brightest in the profession and EKCO is honored to recognize their hard work and innovation,” said EKCO Executive Director Ryan Walters. “It is our goal to empower teachers and provide them with the resources
and support they need to be successful.”
When EKCO asked Redbud principal Evan Dargen to pick a teacher to be the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship she said she just couldn’t choose one person. Instead, Dargen asked educators to share their insights on one of the school’s core values. A winner was chosen from those that entered the drawing.
“Jeanna Gragg not only knows how to connect with students and parents, but when children walk in her classroom they feel special, cared for, and loved,” said Dargen during the check presentation. “I have had the opportunity to see her grow over the last ten years and my favorite thing about her is her relationship-building ability. She makes everyone feel like they belong.”
On November 11th, EKCO’s Business Engagement Director Mike Robins visited the school along with Edmond Public School Board member Lee Ann Kuhlman, Rep. Preston Stinson, and Edmond City Councilman Josh Moore to present the check to Gragg. EKCO provided the initial $500 scholarship and Dr. Brasher, who was unable to attend the presentation, matched the amount and additionally donated a professional teeth whitening kit to Gragg.
Pictured above from left to right: Evan Dargen, Redbud Elementary Principal; Lee Ann Kuhlman, EPS School Board member; Jeanna Gragg, 4th grade teacher; Mike Robins, EKCO Business Engagement Director; Rep. Preston Stinson, and Josh Moore, Edmond City
Councilman