Video: Pontotoc County School District Gets $10,000 Grant

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ECRU, MISS. (WCBI) – This assembly at the North Pontotoc Attendance Center had the look and feel of a pep rally.

For students, faculty and staff, there was plenty to cheer about.

“We’re awarding the district with a $10,000  grant,” said Melinda Brown of Monsanto.

Each year,  the Monsanto Company awards grants to schools throughout the nation as part of its America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program.

The program allows local farmers to nominate their public school district. Terrie Bowen did some research and thought the grant would help generate more interest in agriculture among students.

“I think our children are not aware of how much impact agriculture has on our community here locally and across the Southeast.   And by applying for the grant Monsanto gives you money that you can make these children more aware of how agriculture can work in our daily lives,” Bowen said.

The $10,000 grant will split between the North and South campuses.  Greenhouses will be built at each school to enhance math and science education.

“The bottom line is that in almost every grade level science curriculum has some botannical aspect to it and so we want to enhance their experience by giving them something other than just a book, we want them to have hands on and this will do it,” said Scott Haley, principal of the North Pontotoc Attendance Center.

Students are looking forward to the hands on educational opportunity.

“I think it’s exciting for everybody to have a greenhouse,” said fourth grader Anna Nava.

“I think it’s going to be good for the school and the planet cause it will help other plants grow,” said fourth grader Jake Hall.

It’s a big honor to receive this grant. Twenty four school districts around the state were nominated, but Pontotoc County was the only one chosen by Monsanto to receive the 10 thousand dollar grant. Community leaders and educators say it’s proof positive this district is making the grade.