For the 2024-25 school year, Heartland Credit Union has awarded $3,250 in Celebrate Academic Success with HCU (CASH) Grants to fund 10 innovative projects. These grants will benefit nearly 1,500 students across multiple school districts, including Haysville USD 261, Valley Center USD 262, Maize USD 266, Fairfield USD 310, Buhler USD 313, Chaparral USD 361, Hays USD 489, and Lighthouse Academy.
Founded in 1948 by seven teachers from the Hutchinson area, Heartland Credit Union remains committed to its founding principles of service to people and our communities. The CASH Grant program was established to provide additional support to our member-teachers.
This year’s recipients and their projects are:
- Kip Schultz – The Ground Up Project, grades 7-8 at Maize Middle School in Wichita
- Sarah Gould – Teaching English Requires Creativity, grades K-5 at Prairie Elementary in Wichita
- Julie Steen – Kansas History Field Trips, grades 7-8 at Fairfield Middle & High School in Langdon
- Dana Barrientos – ESOL Microphone Headphones, grades K-5 at Freeman Elementary in Haysville
- Emily Ballard – Positive Incentives, grades 2-6 at Harper Elementary in Harper
- Lori Tracy – Cooking Matters, grades PreK-5 at Early Education Center in Yoder
- Sue Papenfuss – Numeracy Problem Strings, grades 1-5 at Plum Creek Elementary in Hutchinson
- Jamie Swanson – Kid Entrepreneurs, grades K-9 at Lighthouse Academy in Wichita
- Misty Lohmeyer – Building Future Scientists, grades 3-5 at Roosevelt Elementary in Hays
- Mariah Banning – Brew Crew/Pumpkin Pancakes, grades 4-5 at Valley Center Intermediate School in Valley Center
These grants were awarded for projects that showcase strong educational value and the potential to enhance student learning experiences.
