Six schools in Dorchester School District Two received $108,000 in state grants to support the district’s award-winning arts education program.
The South Carolina Department of Education awarded the Arts Curricular Innovation Grants through the Distinguished Arts Program (DAP). DD2 educators were chosen to receive the DAP funds because of their strategic plans to incorporate arts forms that include dance, music, theatre and visual arts.
Each school received approximately $18,000, with $12,600 for materials and $5,400 for professional development:
- Alston Middle School
Grant Team: Adam Weiner, Natalie Schweiger
- Ashley Ridge High School
Grant Team: Allison Brower, Sara Dennis, and Robert Culbreth
- Fort Dorchester High School
Grant Team: Kevin Morrissey and Stephanie Shank
- Joseph R. Pye Elementary School
Grant Team: Lisa Alvarez, Anna King, Penni Byrd
- Knightsville Elementary School
Grant Team: Allison Pole, April Cross
- Spann Elementary School
Grant Team: Kelli Brosnan and Barbara Bassett
“This grant process is incredibly competitive, and we are deeply honored to be highlighted by the South Carolina Department of Education,” said Jason Walsh, DD2 director of fine and performing arts. “Our extraordinary educators developed these projects to engage students and to cultivate within them a lasting appreciation for and comprehension of the arts.”