Bittersweet Awarded More Than $7,000 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 Bittersweet was fortunate to receive $7,345.25 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.

Bittersweet was awarded one traditional grant (more than $1,000) and three EZ grants (under $750) for a total of four grants. The descriptions are listed below:

1. Bittersweet Gathering Grove   
Michelle Leniski & Niki Kornrumph • $2,000
A partnership with Penn’s Building Trades, Architecture and Civil Engineering Classes to construct and design a 24’ x 24’ pavilion for the Bittersweet Nature Center. The Center is a fenced, outdoor learning space near Bittersweet and shared by Penn, Schmucker and Bittersweet. The space has been revitalized by local Boy Scouts and a Book Walk project by former students. This project is Phase One in an effort to create an area for an outdoor, sheltered classroom with picnic tables.

2. Flag Football for the Future
Matt Bodnar • $211.00
Flag Football Game Equipment

3. 3D Printed Student Support Tools
Laura Cichoracki • $750.00
3D Printer Supplies

4. Say It Write!
Susan Riley • $305.00
SpeechBuddy Tool to Enhance Speech Articulation

5. Student Dictionary Update
Leah Gerbeth • $329.25
Replace Current Outdated Student Dictionaries

“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.