AthFest Educates 2026-2027 Grantees
Professional Development Grants
Grantee: Alicia Worthy
Gaines Elementary
Award Amount: $2,175.00
Summary: Training in ceramics instruction and safe kiln operation
Grantee: Elizabeth Garrison
Coile Middle
Award Amount: $1,929.19
Summary: National Art Educator’s Association Conference attendance
Equipment Grants
Grantee: Aaron M. Price
Riverview Foundation Named Donor Grant
Cedar Shoals High School
Award Amount: $4,978.01
Summary: Electric and acoustic guitars, plus accessories, for a growing Guitar Program
Grantee: Aidan Thompson
Koons Environmental Lara Mathes Memorial Named Donor Grant
Clarke Middle
Award Amount: $4,985.25
Summary: Additional instruments and bows for a growing Orchestra Program
Grantee: Ashley O’Connor
Riverview Foundation Named Donor Grant
Whitehead Road Elementary
Award Amount: $4,753.00
Summary: Xylophones for elementary music class
Grantee: Bryce Weber
Fowler Drive Elementary
Award Amount: $4,804.00
Summary: Instruments to create a Marimba Ensemble at the school
Grantee: Chria Midgette
Cedar Shoals High
Award Amount: $4,200.00
Summary: Purchase of dance and safety equipment for dance class
Grantee: Sarah Waller-Price
Riverview Foundation Named Donor Grant
Coile Middle
Award Amount: $3,492.69
Summary: Amplification and recording tech upgrade, allowing all students to see and hear instruction
Programs and Experiences Grants
Grantee: Abby Kacen
HEART Music, INC
Award Amount: $5,000.00
Summary: Provide professional, 1 on 1 instruction for music students at 4 middle schools
Grantee: Carlin Jay
Athens Art Association Named Donor Grant
Winterville Elementary
Award Amount: $5,000.00
Summary: Creation of a collaborative mural with local artist, David Hale
Grantee: Catherine Huff
Athens Road Runners CCM Named Donor Grant
DanceFX
Award Amount: $5,000.00
Summary: Dance program for ASP students at 4 elementary schools
Grantee: Christian Cardon
Clarke Central High
Award Amount: $1,040
Summary: Multilingual student magazine that showcases poems, essays, and art
Grantee: Dr. Melanie Marty & Jessica Varsa
Cedar Shoals High
Award Amount: $562.77
Summary: Trip for ESOL students to experience the art at the Civil Rights Museum
Grantee: Elizabeth Raps
Nuci’s Space
Recipient of the The Candy Vet Foundation Named Donor Grant
Award Amount: $4,000.00
Summary: Pre-Amped Music Education at the Boys & Girls Clubs Afterschool Program
Grantee: Julie Evans
CCSD Special Education
Award Amount: $3,500.00
Summary: Field trips for Special Education students at Canopy for movement and performance workshops
Grantee: Mikey LaFave
Books for Keeps
John & Patricia Whitehead Fund Named Donor Grant
Award Amount: $2,500.00
Summary: Adding Music Education and Music History books to their Prevent the Summer Slide Program
Grantee: Olivia Amato
Athens Area Homeless Shelter
Award Amount: $2,500.00
Summary: Field trips for children and parents to the Ink Museum & the Aurora Theatre
Grantee: Miranda Wilson Brown
UGA PAC
Award Amount: $5,000.00
Summary: UGA Performances for Young People
