Southern Nazarene University honors student Jamie Williams wrote a successful grant application to the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Program (TBFE). 

The grant, written as part of an academic writing class last semester, provides $4,400 to Council Grove Elementary School for the creation of a colorful garden and sitting area that will foster creativity and learning while encouraging reading and community.

Council Grove Elementary is in the Western Heights School District in Oklahoma City, where most students receive free or reduced lunches. The reading garden will create a supportive community and provide an opportunity to learn for children who are facing homelessness, abuse, and other desperate life situations.

"Anything that is different from the normal classroom experience helps our students to learn in different ways," said Council Grove Principal JoAnn Holman. "We are excited about the benches and being able to be outside with the students."

The SNU Honors Program prepares gifted scholars to serve the world around them.

"I created this assignment in keeping with the Honors Program's goals of service learning and real-world application of academics," said Gina Weaver, SNU’s honors director. "The honors students write mock grant proposals to Lowe’s TBFE Program on behalf of Council Grove Elementary. Jamie Williams' proposal was selected as the most well-thought out and in-line with the Lowe's TBFE goals and was submitted to the program for consideration."

The garden is scheduled to be completed by summer 2012.
--Southern Nazarene University