Hartville teacher receives $500 MRTA grant

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, Hartville Middle School teacher, Ms. Avery Drake, was presented with a $500 grant from Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) Foundation. Although Drake knew that she had applied for this grant, she was unaware that she was selected as a recipient.
Hartville Middle School Principal Brett Reed called Drake to meet with him and she was surprised by Karen Miller, President of MRTA Foundation Board, holding a large check. The grant will be used to purchase alternative seating for Drake’s classroom.
Karen Miller stated that this is the first time that Hartville School has been awarded this grant.
She also shared that there were 78 applicants and 10 recipients in District 10. The district includes public school districts in Christian, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Laclede, Ozark, Taney, Texas, Stone, Webster and Wright Counties.
The MRTA Foundation was founded in 2001 as the giving arm of Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel. Since its establishment, MRTA Foundation has provided more than one thousand $500 grants to public school employees and support staff.
These grants are funded by donations and various fundraisers, including a raffle, silent auction and year-end giving.
Several members of the Wright County Retired School Personnel were present for the ceremony where Hartville Middle School teacher received a $500 grant. Those who ended up being photographed included Vicki Stewart; Jeanie Johnston; Janet Cain, District 10 President; Virginia Serghides, District 10 Secretary; Karen Sinning, District 10 Vice-President; Avery Drake, recipient; Karen Miller, MRTA Foundation President.