Magnolia Public School Foundation Awards Grants for the 2025–2026 School Year
Magnolia, Arkansas — The Magnolia Public School Foundation (MPSF) continues its commitment to supporting innovative educational opportunities by awarding grants to Magnolia School District teachers and programs during the 2025–2026 school year. These grants provide resources, technology, and hands-on learning experiences that directly benefit students across the district.
Through both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 grant cycles, the Foundation funded projects designed to enhance academic achievement, strengthen STEM education, support multilingual learners, and create meaningful classroom experiences for students.
Among the grants awarded:
At Central Elementary School, Assistant Principal Gwen O’Guinn (pictured top left with MPSF members Melba Keith and Donna Garrett) was awarded a $430 grant to fund the purchase of medals and ribbons for an academic achievement ceremony recognizing approximately 300 student honorees.
At Central Elementary School, Lee Ketchum (pictured top middle with MPSF member Melba Keith and Donna Garrett) received a $765 grant to purchase two iPads equipped with translation applications to support ESL students by translating directions, academic vocabulary, and classroom materials.
Magnolia High School teacher Jackson Teater (pictured top right with MPSF member Melba Keith and Donna Garrett) and Natalie Harris (not pictured) were able to fund the ninth-grade World History students' benefit from a $1,500 grant supporting a cultural meal during their field trip to the WWII Japanese American Internment Museum, enriching the educational experience through cultural immersion.
A $2,426 grant, awarded to Melissa Rowe and Shelby Cobb (pictured middle left with MPSF members Melba Keith and Donna Garrett)provided Magnolia High School science classes with MiniOne Electrophoresis Systems and laboratory kits for AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Advanced Biology courses, allowing students to participate in hands-on scientific experimentation. Approximately 200 students will utilize the equipment annually.
A districtwide $1,240 grant, awarded to Kelsey Elam, Sonya Russell, and Cassidy Smith (pictured middle center with MPSF members Melba Keith and Donna Garrett)funded the purchase of 10 drones for use in grades 4–12, integrating drone technology into science, engineering, mathematics, and Career and Technical Education programs, as well as STEM Night activities.
During the Fall 2025 grant cycle:
East Side Elementary received a $600 grant supporting a K–2 ESOL Camp focused on improving language skills through immersive learning experiences, including a field trip to an aquarium. This grant was awarded to Marissa Youngblood, ESOL Coordinator (pictured middle right with MPSF members Melba Keith and Donna Garrett).
Magnolia High School was awarded an $800 grant to purchase 30 DNA model kits for biology instruction, allowing students to visualize and manipulate DNA structures through hands-on learning activities. This grant was awarded to Julie Carter (pictured bottom left with foundation members Melba Keith and Donna Garrett).
East Side Elementary activity teachers, Jessica Talley and Anna Waller (pictured bottom center with MPSF members Donna Garrett and Melba Keith) also received a $1,400 grant supporting a printmaking project in which K–2 students created original digital designs and completed the printmaking process using classroom materials and equipment funded through the grant.
In addition to classroom grants, a Magnolia High School graduate donated $5,000 to the Magnolia High School football program, which was used to purchase a large-scale washer and dryer for the athletic program. This grant was received by Head Football Coach Adam Kirby (pictured bottom right with MPSF members Melba Ketih and Donna Garrett).
The Magnolia School District extends its appreciation to the Magnolia Public School Foundation and all donors whose generosity continues to enrich education for Magnolia students.