Walt Disney Awarded More Than $5,000 in Education Foundation Grants

The Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation (PHMEF) continues its mission of supporting excellence in education by awarding $73,715.48 in classroom innovation grants for the 2025-2026 school year, marking one of the largest funding years in foundation history! And Walt Disney was fortunate to receive $5,064.50 in grant dollars!

Each year, PHMEF’s Annual Grant Cycle provides teachers across the district with opportunities to bring creative, hands-on learning projects to life, projects that go beyond traditional classroom resources. The grants are made possible through the generosity of community donors, local businesses, and district supporters.

During the first couple of weeks of December, PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom surprised grant recipients. Click here to see the full photo gallery.

Walt Disney was awarded two traditional grants (more than $1,000) and four EZ grants (under $750) for a total of six grants. The descriptions are listed below:

1. Tune Lab
Charlis Cunningham & Emily Cornett • $2,000
STEM meets music as 5th graders design and build custom musical instruments, connecting engineering and mathematical concepts in a showcase of sound and creativity

2. Establishing a Perceptual Motor Lab
Stephen Govorko • $1,487.13
This lab will develop perceptual motor skills through movement-based activities that support academic success for K-3 students.

3. Sea Squad – Making Waves at Disney
Krystal Malone
Materials for Student Council
Awarded $622.47

4. Hands On Minds On
Krystal Malone
STEM Kits for Kindergarten Classrooms
Awarded $341.63

5. Scholastic News Subscription
Jordan Binion
Annual Subscription to Scholastic News Magazine
Awarded $172.00

6. Walt Disney Dazzler Dance Team
Brianna Vallely
Dance Team Props
Awarded $441.27

On behalf of the entire PHM Education Foundation Board I want you to know how deeply we believe in our teachers and staff,” said PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom. “Your dedication, and passion for making a positive impact are what make our schools truly exceptional. We are committed to funding your innovative ideas because you are the heart of excellence in PHM, and we are proud to support the remarkable work you do every day.”

For more on the P-H-M Education Foundation’s 2025-26 grant awards, click here.