STATESBORO – During Saturday's football game against Maine, Georgia Southern will recognize 12 recipients of classroom improvement grants as a part of the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard For Teachers program.

The CFP Foundation's primary platform, Extra Yard for Teachers elevates the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers through the implementation of programs in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development.

For a fifth straight year, Georgia Southern athletics has partnered with the CFP Extra Yard for Teachers initiative to show appreciation for teachers throughout Bulloch, Chatham and Liberty counties.

Classroom improvement grants of $500 will be awarded to deserving teachers from the three counties based on grant applications and itemized budgets. The recipients were notified on August 22nd and will be recognized on the field on Saturday.

"We look forward to seeing the initiatives and projects that teachers in Bulloch, Chatham and Liberty counties put forth as a part of the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative," Georgia Southern Senior Associate Athletics Director Gleen Hart said. "We are excited to be a continuing part of this exciting project."

Listed below are the 12 recipients of the $500 classroom improvement grants with school and county represented.

Alicia Woods – Portal Middle High School (Bulloch)
Amy Smith – William James Middle School (Bulloch)
Kelley Mikell – Julia P. Bryant Elementary (Bulloch)
Matthew Pecht – Hubert Middle School (Chatham)
Janey Robideau – Gould Elementary (Chatham)
Walter Crump – New Hampstead High School (Chatham)
Gabrielle Brundidge – Lee Roy Myers Middle School (Chatham)
Stephen Smith – Butler Elementary (Chatham)
Tasha Spears – Taylors Creek Elementary (Liberty)
James Boyce – Bradwell Institute (Liberty)
A'Cheyla Sumpter – Lewis Frasier Middle School (Liberty)
Debbie Fogg – Joseph Martin Elementary (Liberty)