Past and current teacher recipients of the Tamaqua Blue Raider Foundation's Grants For Teachers program were given a chance to show what the funds were used for during the foundation's update event held at the Vonz Restaurant at the Station in Tamaqua.

Bob Miller, foundation president, said the event was held to foster and highlight innovative programs in public education within the school district and supported by the TBRF.In addition to having a number of projects on display during the event, statements from recipients were displayed on a large screen."We would like to thank the Blue Raider Foundation for the generous donation for the purchase of our die cut machine and templates," said recipients Charise Fiorilla and Diane Michalik. "From bulletin board usage to learning center manipulatives, it has been helpful as an educational tool utilized by both teachers and students.""I am honored to be a part of this community that values education and am excited to be a teacher in this school district that is dedicated to offering the very best education to its students," said recipient Susan Featro, who thanked the TBRF for their support of the students."The opportunity for growth beyond the traditional classroom the foundation has given my students is invaluable," said recipient Kimberly Woodward. "Allowing students' historical work to be integrated into the community will benefit all generations of the Tamaqua Area School District and those who visit for many years."She added that the TBRF played a key sponsorship role in the Tamaqua Pride Mural on Lafayette Street and Mosaic Tile Project inside the school."The benefit of the Blue Raider Mosaic Tile Project encompassed not only the student artists involved in making the tiles, but all future viewers of the tiles as well.""The funds helped to rekindle the Blue and White magazine," said recipient Krystal Schmauch. "Without the foundation's help, the idea to bring the publication back to life would not have left the ground. We are extremely appreciative of their help with our endeavor. The members of the newly revived Tamaqua Blue and White pour their hearts and souls into their work on the magazine and truly love what they do.""Thanks to the Raider Foundation, my Tamaqua students were able to work side by side with well-known local artist, Victor Stabin, to create illustrations that will be published in a book and included in a documentary highlighting the ability to use art as a vehicle to teach science and language arts," said recipient Lori Remmel."The funds provided for the purchase of classical mythology texts," said recipient Adriane Drum. "Many students now have the opportunity to pursue academic study in high-interest areas, as well as being enriched by the vast amount of culture and literary references taught through these seminal works."Past recipient Jolene Barron, who received an iPad via a TBRF grant, stated, "The iPad is something that I continue to use daily in the classroom. Since implemented, it has impacted students of various grade levels, with a wide range of abilities, as well as continuing to be an invaluable teaching tool.""These educators giving of their time and talents is a testimony to the dedication of these individuals and their commitment to educating our young people," said Miller.