At CCEF, we are proud to announce the following recipients of Impact Grants from our 3rd and final round of the 2025-26 school year. Many were made possible through funds generated in part by The Georgia Foundation for Public Education.
When Cherokee County residents and businesses choose to redirect their Georgia state taxes to CCEF, this is exactly what it looks like in action, innovative, teacher-driven projects that directly benefit students across our county.
We are grateful to every taxpayer who has participated in the Peach Tax Credit program and made these grants possible. If you'd like to join them, learn more about how to redirect your Georgia state taxes to CCEF here.
2025-2026 Round 3 Impact Grant Recipients
- Ben Sexton | R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy | Elementary Music
- Audra Thomas | Woodstock High School | 9-12 Science
- Lynette Okenica | Cherokee High School | 9th Grade Environmental Science
- Kate Henriques | Carmel Elementary School | K-5 Gifted & Talent Development
- Justin Norton | ACE Academy | 6-8 Band
- Sandy McPherson | Clayton Elementary School | K-5
- Andrew Harwood | Teasley Middle School | 6-8 Band
- Robin Barnhorn | Cherokee High School | High School Biology
- Sarah Brennan | Woodstock High School | 9-12 Science
- Ian Schumacher | Carmel Elementary School | STEAM Specials (3-5)
About the CCEF Impact Grant Program
CCEF's Impact Grant program exists to empower Cherokee County teachers to bring bold, creative ideas to life in their classrooms. Each year, educators from across the district submit competitive applications proposing projects that go beyond what standard school budgets can support, from hands-on science labs and garden initiatives to arts programs and literacy experiences. Grants are awarded based on their potential to meaningfully impact student achievement, engagement, and equity. Since the program's inception, CCEF has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into classrooms across Cherokee County, funding projects that leave a lasting mark on students and schools alike. To learn more or apply, visit our Impact Grants page.
About the Georgia Peach Education Tax Credit
Georgia's Peach Education Tax Credit is one of the most powerful and accessible ways for residents and businesses to invest in local education. Through this program, eligible Georgia taxpayers can redirect a portion of their state income tax liability directly to an approved organization, like CCEF, at no additional cost to them. Those funds then flow directly into programs like our Impact Grants, putting money where it matters most: Cherokee County classrooms. It's a simple, meaningful way to make your tax dollars work for students right here in our community. To learn more about how to participate, visit our Peach Tax Credit page.