The Meridian chapter of Young Leaders in Action (YLIA) recently awarded grants to 18 teachers at the Meridian School District. YLIA is a leadership development program organized by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. Students at Meridian High School who participate in the program include, Alayna Bickel, Sean Cowick, Anya Ireland, Lexi Marion, Alexa Oliver, Emma Parks, and Wyatt Weybright.
This year each participating school district developed a project to benefit their local area. Meridian students developed a grant program in which teachers from the school district could submit a grant request. Requests included classroom supplies, equipment, books, art supplies, and a conservation field trip. Awards were presented to staff at a district wide meeting on Friday, April 26. Teachers who received a grant award included Susannah Moyer, Abby Herbert, Katie Warnick, Jorji Sparrgrove, Holly Steiling, Elaine Dust, Ashley Gorden, Megan Pistorius, Aidan Perrey, Abby Norman, Matt O’Brien, Carrie Snow, Mariah Seitz, Bailey Felter, Suzanne Aukamp, Katie Hardeman, Alyssa Holsapple, and Beth Rhodes. In total, the group was able to award $2,929.