MURPHYSBORO, IL – Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association (EECA) is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Student Support Grants. This program was created after conversations with local educators revealed that some of the most pressing needs in schools are for basic necessities. In response, EECA launched the grants to help schools meet those needs so students can focus, learn, and thrive.
Originally designed as a six-award program for the 2026–2027 school year, EECA received more than 40 applications from schools across our territory, each demonstrating a significant level of need. Because of this response, the program was expanded to fund ten grants, and EECA is pleased to announce our first ten recipients. The 2026-27 Student Support Grant recipients are:
- Abigail Hammonds – Southern Region Early Childhood Programs (SIU), Du Quoin
- Allison Sims – Du Quoin High School
- Amy Hicks – Carbondale Middle School
- Caitin Pflasterer – Marissa Elementary School
- Haley Stanton – Pinckneyville Elementary School
- Kristin Petrowske – Chester Grade School
- Melinda Pierson & Amy Prudencio – Carbondale Community High School
- Natalie Hubler– Du Quoin Middle School
- Sarah Brennfleck – Sparta Lincoln School
- Michelle Hamilton – Steeleville High School
This year’s projects address a wide range of student needs, including hygiene supplies and clothing, support for school food pantries, weekend food bags, and transportation assistance for students needing important medical care. Recipients were selected based on how clearly their applications demonstrated need, including specific examples, data showing how many students would be impacted, and the potential impact on students with the greatest need. Project summaries for each recipient are available at eeca.coop/student-support-grants.
In addition to awarding the grants, EECA will create a list of requested items from participating schools to share with the community. The hope is that individuals, businesses, and organizations will choose to help meet these needs directly by donating requested items to the schools. The list will be published in August.
EECA congratulates all recipients and thanks educators across the region for their continued dedication to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.