Egyptian Electric awards student support grants to 10 Southern Illinois schools
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (KBSI) — Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association has announced the recipients of its inaugural Student Support Grants, a new program designed to help schools meet students’ basic needs.
According to the cooperative, the program was created after educators identified growing needs for essential items that help students succeed in the classroom. Originally planned to award six grants for the 2026-27 school year, EECA expanded the program to 10 grants after receiving more than 40 applications from schools across its service area.
The recipients are:
- Abigail Hammonds, Southern Region Early Childhood Programs (SIU), Du Quoin
- Allison Sims, Du Quoin High School
- Amy Hicks, Carbondale Middle School
- Caitin Pflasterer, Marissa Elementary School
- Haley Stanton, Pinckneyville Elementary School
- Kristin Petrowske, Chester Grade School
- Melinda Pierson and Amy Prudencio, Carbondale Community High School
- Natalie Hubler, Du Quoin Middle School
- Sarah Brennfleck, Sparta Lincoln School
- Michelle Hamilton, Steeleville High School
EECA said the funded projects include hygiene supplies, clothing assistance, school food pantries, weekend food bags and transportation assistance for students needing medical care.
The cooperative also plans to publish a list of requested items from participating schools in August, encouraging community members, businesses and organizations to donate supplies directly to schools in need.
Project summaries for each grant recipient are available on the Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association website.
