Sep 4, 2015 2 min read

“Is this real?” Avella Area High School teacher Lori Lochran repeatedly asked as she held back tears.

Just moments before, Lochran learned she was one of 15 finalists for six $100,000 grants provided by the Farmers Insurance Thank America’s Teacher program.

With the help of students and her fellow teachers, Lochran was surprised with the announcement Friday during Avella’s first pep rally of the year. She had no idea what was coming as the band played and cheerleaders flipped across the gym.

“We have a new homeroom activity now,” Lochran said as she addressed the crowd. “Voting.”

Winners for the Dream Big Teacher Challenge grant are based on online votes. There are five finalists in the eastern part of the country, five in the central part and five in the western part. The two with the most votes in each part of the country are awarded the grants. Voting opens Oct. 1 and ends Oct. 31. The winners will be announced in December.

Lochran was entered into the challenge after being thanked by a member of the community on the program’s website. Once a teacher is thanked, they are eligible to enter a proposal for the grant money. Lochran entered a proposal for a greenhouse and garden.

“Being a rural district, we wanted to introduce an agriculture program,” Lochran said. “It is also perfect way to bring the community together.”

If awarded the grant, Lochran said the greenhouse would be used in grades K-12. Produce from the garden would be used in the school’s cafeteria and extra food item donated to the Avella food bank.

Lochran said she entered the proposal with no expectations. Because Avella is a small, rural district, tax revenue is small. She said a grant of this size would be an amazing opportunity for the district.

“Taking a chance is worth it for these guys,” she said about her students.

Superintendent Cyril Walther encourages everyone with Internet access to vote. The website, www.thankamericasteachers.com, allows for one vote per person, per day.

“This has been a long-term goal for the district,” Walther said of the greenhouse. “Lori is a dedicated teacher who is willing to do anything for her district.”