Current Grantees

AthFest Educates 2022 – 2023 Grantees

We are proud to announce the 2022 – 2023 AthFest Educates grantees. The AthFest Educates Board of Directors is thrilled to be supporting the amazing work these individuals do every day on behalf of the young people of Athens-Clarke County. To date, AthFest Educates has awarded over $578,000 in grants to support high-quality music and arts education.

Music and Arts Non-Consumable Equipment Grants

Grantee: Christine Graziano, Cedar Shoals High School
Award Amount: $3,328
Summary: Purchase digital camera, lenses, backdrops and related equipment for use by the 200 9th-12th graders in the Graphic Arts class, giving them experience with professional level equipment furthering their career readiness.

Grantee: Audrey Hughes, Clarke Middle School
Recipient of the Young and Jeff Green Grant
Award Amount: $850
Summary: Purchase tools and base materials for 250 6th, 7th and 8th graders to create sculptures made from metals, found objects, fabrics, fibers and more. Sculptures will be displayed both inside the school and on school grounds, and will also be donated for display at local animal shelters and senior centers.

Grantee: Anastasia Klukowski, Gaines Elementary School
Recipient of the Athens Symphony’s Susan Dinwiddie Music Education Grant
Award Amount: $729
Summary: Purchase GAMEPLAN Curriculum books for grades 1-5 so 400 students can learn foundational components of music and performance.

Grantee: Erin McClanahan, Stroud Elementary
Recipient of the Athens Symphony’s Susan Dinwiddie Music Education Grant
Award Amount: $1,942
Summary: Purchase 107 recorders, and recorder books so 95 third and fourth grade students can learn to work together in creating and performing music.

Grantee: Cammi Newby, Clarke Central High School
Award Amount: $4,665
Summary: Purchase of 9 DSLR cameras, bags, memory cards and related equipment. The cameras will be used by 190 9th-12th grade photography students in six level one, and two level two classes.

Grantee: Ashley O’Connor, Whitehead Road Elementary School
Award Amount: $4,814
Summary: Purchase a set of four Orff xylophones so 750 Pre-K – 5 students can learn to work together in creating music and operate as an ensemble.

Music and Arts Programs and Experiences Grants

Grantee: Miranda Wilson Brown, Patron Services Manager & Outreach Coordinator, University of Georgia Performing Arts Center
Award Amount: $5000
Summary: 3,000 CCSD K – 12 students will experience professional dance, theater, and musical performances via the UGA PAC’s Performances for Young People series. All performances will occur from September 2022-March 2023. The performances include: Yamma Ensemble, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Villalobos Brothers, Soweto Gospel Choir, Leyla McCalla, Martha Graham Dance Company, Matthew Whitaker, Breabach, and Yamato: Drummer of Japan. Note: all CCSD students can participate; the goal is 3,000

Grantee: Elizabeth Bush, Barnett Shoals Elementary Schools, and Marissa Mustard, Local Artist
Recipient of the Nick & Erin Maulding Grant
Award Amount: $1,000
Summary: 63 5th grade students will learn about public art and create large scale works to be posted in the school. Marissa Mustard will work with students are their designs and will create a positive affirmation mural inside the school. AthFest Educates will fund supplies for the mural and the stipend for Ms. Mustard.

Grantee: Anna Chandler, Barnett Shoals Elementary School
Recipient of the Athens Symphony’s Susan Dinwiddie Music Education Grant
Award Amount: $695
Summary: 190 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will perform in a production of “High School Musical”. AthFest Educates will fund the purchase of a show kit which includes scripts, score, director guide, accompaniment CDs, choreography CD, and other materials.

Grantee: Marc Ginsberg, Journalism Advisor, Cedar Shoals High School
Recipient of the John & Patricia Whitehead Grant
Award Amount: $3,500
Summary: 54 journalism students in grades 9-12 will revive the Mosaic Literary Magazine at Cedar Shoals High School. The magazine is open to submissions from the entire student body. AthFest Educates will fund the printing expense for the spring 2023 publication.

Grantee: Rosemary Milsap (Cedar Shoals High School), and Kayla Griffin (Clarke Central High School)
Recipient of the Jill Helme Grant
Award Amount: $5,000
Summary: Thirty-four 10-12 graders will attend ThesCon, a three day conference for theatre students in Georgia. Students will attend workshops lead by professional from around the country, showcase their plays and have opportunities to audition for colleges. AthFest Educates funds will cover the registration cost for these students.

Grantee: Dawn Phillips, Winterville Elementary School
Recipient of the Nick & Erin Maulding Grant
Award Amount: $2,700
Summary: All 375 K-5 students will have the opportunity engage in art activities that support social, emotional and academic growth at two family engagement STEAM nights. AthFest Educates will fund the purchase of watercolors and supplies for the family engagement events.

Grantee: Josh Podvin, Assistant Director for Community Partnerships and Aiyana Begins, Experience UGA Program Coordinator
Award Amount: $3,296
Summary: All CCSD 3rd grade students will have the opportunity to attend a live performance of the UGA Children’s Theatre Troupe, learn about theatre architecture and design, and learn about career opportunities in theatre. AthFest Educates will provide funding for transportation.

Grantee: Christopher Schell, Clarke Middle School
Recipient of the Jittery Joe’s Grant
Award Amount: $2,324
Summary: 300 6th, 7th and 8th graders will study the work and lives of Georgia artists and work with Atlanta street artist Cathryn Bozone to create “graffiti” murals in high traffic areas of the school. The designs will be guided by feedback gathered from student surveys. AthFest Educates will fund the supplies needed to complete the murals and a stipend for Ms. Bozone.

Grantee: Gabrielle Tull, Gaines Elementary School
Award Amount: $2,916
Summary: 155 4th and 5th graders will learn about graphic design and the concept of self-identity and expression in art. Students will utilize Adobe Photoshop and iPads to create a self-identity poster, demonstrating their understanding of the concepts. AthFest Educates will provide funding for an annual Adobe Photoshop license, equipment, and printing costs.

Professional Development Grants

Grantees: Galit Shemesh, JJ Harris Elementary School
Recipient of the Young and Jeff Green Grant
Award Amount: $750.
Summary: One elementary music educator will attend the two-week Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy summer certification program in June 2023. The Orff approach focuses on building a child’s musicianship through singing, playing instruments, speech, and movement.