Education Grant WinnerPeggy Trejo

Being involved in communications, specifically a student-led news team, can put children in a position to where they develop a skill set that serves well in multiple facets of life. It also provides a platform to where they can foster a sense of ownership, creativity, and collaboration.

Peggy Trejo, educator at Collier Elementary, was eager to provide her newly created student-led news crew with updated resources capable of making a more efficient, professional setting. Thanks to Power of the Dollar® members, she was awarded a $1,000 grant in December 2022 to support the “Collier Eagle News Team”, and she went out to purchase iPads, as well as other upgraded gadgets ready to help her students when recording the school news!

“I really wanted more for our students because all we were using was just my phone,” said Trejo. “When I saw the grant, I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to try it. I’m going to try and see just to see what happens.’ That was my motivation: I wanted more for the kids – just to give them that experience so that they could see other career opportunities.”

Engaging their fellow classmates in a Monday morning news session, the news team delivers relevant and interesting news in a relatable and enthusiastic style, showcasing the what’s-what regarding school stories. By creating a sense of connection, the student-driven approach to sharing information and cool stories “sets the stage” for others within the district to potentially pursue that same opportunity and promotes a positive environment.

“They are just a little more comfortable in front of the camera,” she said. “The kids see the announcements on Monday’s, and they get lots of compliments. From the faculty to the kids, they really enjoy seeing live people [the news team]!”