Abigail McKenzie, an esteemed educator at Butner-Stem Elementary, has been honored with a prestigious $15,000 GO Grant from the N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. The award, presented by N.C. House of Representative Frank Sossamon, recognizes McKenzie's commitment to advancing outdoor learning experiences for students.

L to R:  BSES Principal, Dr. Day-Heggie, Abigail McKenzie, NC Representative Frank Sossamon

With the newly acquired grant, McKenzie envisions a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the school's educational landscape. Her visionary project involves the establishment of a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility within the school premises. The greenhouse will serve dual purposes: providing a sustainable source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the cafeteria and offering an immersive learning environment for the students. This innovative project not only addresses the importance of healthy nutrition but also creates hands-on opportunities for students to delve into the world of agriculture, biology, and environmental science. The N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission's GO Grant has long been recognized as a catalyst for transformative educational initiatives. Abigail McKenzie's pursuit of excellence perfectly aligns with the Commission's mission, and her grant is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the advancement of student engagement and environmental awareness.