Wal-Mart Gives Grants to WCS Programs

Published September 25, 2008

The world's largest retailer is helping to fund programs in several Williamson County schools. On September 15, Wal-Mart held a special ceremony at the Sam's Club in Cool Springs. The purpose of the event was to present various schools and organizations with community and education grants.

The ceremony began when organizers named Pinewood Elementary School teacher Sheila McKinney as the local Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. McKinney received a $1,000 grant for Pinewood, a $100 gift card to purchase classroom supplies and a

Teacher of the Year polo shirt. McKinney will also have the opportunity to apply for state Teacher of the Year honors. "It's a very nice honor," said McKinney. "Not only for my school but for Williamson County as well."
Wal-Mart also presented a $1,000 grant to the Independence High School tennis team, $250 to the Centennial High School boys lacrosse team, $250 to the Page High School boys soccer team and $1,000 to the Franklin High School Lacrosse Club.

Independence High School Tennis Coach Matt Balzer says the money his team received will be put to good use. "There are some different things we plan to use the money for like warm-ups for everyone, wind-screens, squeegees for the courts," said Balzer. "Basically all the things we didn't have money for before."

Independence tennis team co-captains Alicia Barnes and Jay Perry were also on hand for the ceremony. With the extra money, the students say they're even more excited about the start of tennis season. "It's pretty exciting," said Barnes. "We will actually get new stuff that we've never had."