HAMLET — Updates on scholarships and teacher grants were presented at the Richmond County Schools Board of Education meeting, with speakers emphasizing continued investment in both students and educators.
Kristi King, a member of the Richmond County Schools Education Foundation, provided an update on the organization’s work since its restructuring in 2023. She said the foundation has funded $17,500 in scholarships, with an additional $10,000 designated for current high school seniors who plan to pursue degrees in education.
“The Grow Your Own campaign is structured so that the scholarships are distributed to students who have plans to return to Richmond County to begin their careers within the Richmond County school system,” said King. “Our goal is to encourage our youth to return home and integrate themselves in the same school programs they themselves were part of.”
King added that supporting educators is just as important as supporting students. In 2025, the foundation launched the Empowering Educators program, which awards a $1,000 grant to one teacher at each school in the district.
“Teachers submit their applications and details for which the money will be used. The creativity we have seen has been exemplary and includes such projects as hybrid greenhouses where students grow fruits, vegetables and herbs while learning about water conservation, nutrition and sustainable food systems,” King said. “Emotion regulation tools to help younger students identify, manage feelings, giving them concrete strategies for staying focused and engaged in their classrooms. Items to create flexible seating to keep our youngest learners engaged, even field trips to allow students new learning experiences.”
Over the past two years, the foundation has distributed $29,000 to teachers across Richmond County.
King also highlighted upcoming and ongoing fundraising efforts. The third annual Richmond County Schools Education Foundation Clay Shoot is scheduled for May 1 and serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser each year. She noted the event is currently on track to be more successful than in previous years.
In January, the foundation launched the Phantom Dinner direct mail campaign, and King said both fundraisers have played a key role in supporting its programs.
“The Education Foundation constantly looks for opportunities to support the school system by meeting needs as they arise, including funding tuition for a student in the partnership pathways program or providing monetary staff prizes at convocation, as we did this past August,” King said. “The Education Foundation strives to be a promoter, an advocate, and a resource for the Richmond County School System. We are extremely grateful for not only the support of this board, but the entire system.”
Board members expressed appreciation for the foundation’s work.
“Thank you for what you do for us, and for our teachers and our employees,” said Chairman Corey Satterfield.
“I am very proud of our Education Foundation. This year, they are working hard … Before we left today, got another surprise for teachers coming up shortly. So they work hard and their hearts are definitely there for Richmond County and growing our own teachers … they just work hard and I’m very proud to be on that committee and help support them,” said Vice Chair Bobbie Sue Ormsby.