Nine public school teachers in Forsyth County were recently awarded grants to be used in the classroom by a Cumming-based electric services provider.

Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation presented a total of $11,717 as part of their Bright Ideas program, which collects “extra change” from customers who choose to round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar each month.

“This extra change then goes directly back into the communities that Sawnee EMC serves,” said Cindy Badgett, spokeswoman for the organization. “The average donation a member makes annually is about $6 … just pennies a month.”

These small donations have allowed Sawnee EMC to donate more than $2 million back into the community since its inception in 2003.

The teachers from Forsyth County who received grants are:

• Jonathan Feicht, Chestatee Elementary: $1,254.52

• Taylor Cole, Otwell Middle: $1,389

• Jennifer Rau, Liberty Middle: $1,464

• Brandy Forde, Coal Mountain Elementary: $1,500

• Tonya Ross, Cumming Elementary: $756.69

• Beth Rimedio, Little Mill Middle: $1,500

• Joel McWhorter, Forsyth Central High: $1,100

• Brittany Farr, Brandywine Elementary: $1,429.35

• Katie Atolli, Silver City Elementary: $1,323.98

Teachers who are interested in applying for a Bright Ideas classroom grant should call Cindy Badgett at (678) 455-1399 or email her at cindy.badgett@sawnee.com.

Applicants or a charity that wants to apply must be located in the Sawnee EMC service area and provides services within the community.