A Lewis Frasier Middle School teacher now has $1,000 for classroom supplies thanks to a Georgia Power New Teacher Assistance Grant.

Robert Stokes, the Hinesville area manager for Georgia Power Company, awarded first-year teacher Darin Edgecomb during the Nov. 13 board of education meeting.

Edgecomb, who teaches seventh grade English language arts, said he plans to purchase classroom supplies with the award.

“It’s always a challenge trying to buy supplies in order to make your student’s classroom experience a good one, so I am glad to have received this grant to make their learning experience a great one,” Edgecomb said. “I’ll use the money sparingly throughout the year for projects and various other assignments.”

The grant is awarded to a first-year teacher in the top 25 percent of his or her graduating class academically and who shows high aptitude for teaching while in college. The grant is awarded to two students in each college of education within the University System of Georgia.

Edgecomb first worked with LFMS last year while completing a practicum internship during his studies at Armstrong Atlantic State University, he said.

He was recommended for the grant by the Armstrong College of Education and a professor who had discreetly observed him in the classroom. A Georgia Power Board of Directors voted in support of Edgecomb for the grant, he said.

“I am so humbled that my professors from Armstrong and Georgia Power would choose me to receive such a prestigious grant,” he said. “Every day, I aspire to be as great as the many educators who have inspired me to achieve what I have so far. I just want to continue to make my family, friends, co-workers and community proud, and this grant will help make it much easier.”