(January 30, 2026) – Three Harrison County School District teachers were among ten educators honored today with the Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grant! The award recognizes exceptional teachers for their commitment to educational excellence and outstanding creativity in teaching.
 
Congratulations to the following grant award recipients:

• Jacqueline Aultman Foreman of D'Iberville Middle School: "Warrior Brew"
• Lisa Renee Klann of d'Iberville High School: "Trace the Truth: Uncovering Identity through Forensic Evidence"
• Tanya Rae Adams of North Woolmarket Elementary Middle School (not pictured): "Light Fingerprints: Unlocking the Hidden Signatures of Elements"

Each teacher received a grant of up to $2,000 to fund their winning classroom project that’s designed to enhance students’ learning experiences and support state curriculum requirements. 

"I am honored to have received the Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grant, which will support a hands-on STEM instructional project titled Light Fingerprints: Unlocking the Hidden Signatures of Elements. Through this project, 7th- and 8th-grade students will engage in authentic scientific investigations using spectroscopes, spectrum tubes, and safe flame-test materials to examine how each element produces a unique light pattern, or “fingerprint.” Students will observe and analyze light waves, search for and compare spectral patterns, and use evidence to identify elements, modeling the practices used by scientists in chemistry, physics, and astronomy.
This same application of spectroscopy is how scientists determine the composition of stars, space, and planetary atmospheres, and it plays a critical role as space exploration advances toward destinations such as Mars. In addition, the study of light waves connects directly to modern technologies students encounter daily, including fiber-optic communication, where light is used to transmit information clearly and efficiently over long distances.
By introducing these concepts at the middle school level, this project is designed to awaken curiosity, strengthen foundational STEM understanding, and expose students to future career pathways in science, technology, engineering, space exploration, and communications. The equipment funded through this grant will serve hundreds of students over multiple years, ensuring lasting educational impact through inquiry-based STEM learning. Thank you again for the recognition and for all that went into honoring this year’s recipients," said Adams.
 
Thank you, Hancock Whitney Bank, for hosting the awards luncheon and celebrating our educators and the amazing work that they do! 
 
Watch the WLOX story here: 2026 Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants awarded to 10 Mississippi teachers
 
Watch the WXXV story here: Local educators receive Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants - WXXV News 25