Newark, MD, November 13, 2026– Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) is proud to announce that nine innovative projects across seven schools have been awarded a combined $36,884 in education grants from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES).
The grants were celebrated during the Foundation's annual Education Grant Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 12, at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury. Awarded through a competitive application process, the grants support creative, school-based initiatives designed to enhance student learning, engagement, and well-being.
"Every great learning experience begins with an educator who sees possibility and finds a way to bring it to life," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette E. Wallace. "These grants are a wonderful investment in the creativity and dedication of our teachers and, more importantly, in the students whose lives they impact. We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation for helping our educators turn their ideas into meaningful opportunities for children."
The 2026 WCPS grant recipients and their projects are:
Pocomoke Elementary School: Elizabeth Brittingham ($4,812) – Curriculum-aligned art and materials supporting the Wit & Wisdom literacy program.
Pocomoke High School: Lauren McCormack ($5,000) – A library makerspace and collaborative study area to increase student engagement.
Showell Elementary School: Jodi Popielaski ($5,000) – Decodable texts to strengthen kindergarten reading instruction; and Jenna Williams ($4,970) – 3D printing equipment and supplies for hands-on STEM learning.
Snow Hill Elementary School: Jennifer Spivey ($1,500) – Literacy tubs integrating foundational reading skills with play-based learning.
Snow Hill Middle School: Sara Welch ($4,342) – Tools and materials for the new Building for the Future course introducing students to skilled trades.
Stephen Decatur High School: Wendy Shirk ($1,360) – The Seahawk Snack Cart, a student-operated service providing special education students with hands-on learning and social interaction.
Worcester Technical High School: Phil Cropper ($5,000) – A SkillsUSA uniform lending program; and Valerija Zienty ($4,900) – Flexible classroom furniture supporting engineering instruction and diverse learning styles.
From strengthening early literacy to expanding STEM exploration, career readiness, and inclusive learning experiences, the funded projects reflect WCPS's commitment to ensuring every student is known by name, strength, and need.
WCPS extends its congratulations to this year's recipients and its appreciation to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore for its continued investment in public education and the students of Worcester County.
View the photo album in the WCPS Photo Share.