The Governing Committee of the Licking County Foundation recently approved $8,000 in Tibbie Leslie Travel Grants for travel across Europe, Greece and Haiti by four area educators. These grants were awarded to teachers who plan foreign travel to broaden their experience and knowledge in their particular field of interest. They were also selected for their commitment to bringing the world back to their classrooms in the true spirit of the award’s donor, Tibbie Leslie—a Newark native who traveled the world throughout her 30-year teaching career. Since 1999, the Tibbie Leslie Fund has provided over $175,000 in grants to support 91 travel experiences. This year’s grant recipients are:
Lauren Clark, a Government and History teacher at Newark High School, will travel throughout the United Kingdom. As a social studies teacher, this trip will enrich Ms. Clark’s understanding of cultures around the world, how citizens interact with one another, and how countries function through various forms of governments. Ms. Clark stated, “I will use my experience to show [my students] that it can be done and that it only enriches their lives. I hope to inspire students to further their education, study abroad, or at least take the opportunity to travel and broaden their own experiences.”
Megan Hendershot, an Instructor in the Nursing Program at Central Ohio Technical College will travel to Haiti. This trip will allow Ms. Hendershot to take a group of nursing professors to Haiti to utilize their nursing skills in a variety of settings (hospital, pediatric, community, and orphanage experiences) and gain knowledge of different cultural concepts. Ms. Hendershot stated, “Cross-culture nursing is becoming more and more prevalent in the US. Oftentimes students do not understand different cultures and how to treat these patients. I am hoping with this experience I will be able to share with them knowledge and skills that will help them prepare to become well-rounded nurses.”
Sean McCullough, an Intervention Specialist for Social Studies at Licking Height High School, will travel to Slovenia and Greece. As a special education teacher and a history teacher, visiting Eastern Europe will provide great enrichment to Mr. McCullough’s educational endeavors. Mr. McCullough plans to spend time comprehending Eastern European politics and history, the differences between the economies of Slovenia and Greece, and the foreign education system of the University of Ljubljana.
Melinda Talbott, a Character Education, Health and Academic Assist teacher at Liberty Middle School (Newark), will travel to Germany. Ms. Talbott shared, “Foreign travel offers the opportunity to see new things and opens our minds to the realities of the world while allowing us to deepen our appreciation for our own country/community. That is a valuable lesson to teach children…I hope to be able to inspire my students to work hard and find a way to see and experience the world so that they can have a perspective on life and people and experiences that will enrich their lives and strengthen their character. And, ultimately, make them better citizens in our society.”
About the Tibbie Leslie Fund
Elizabeth Randolph Leslie, known as Tibbie, was raised in Newark, Ohio. She graduated from Newark High School in 1950 and from Miami University in 1954. Ms. Leslie taught physical education at Withrow High School in Cincinnati for 30 years. She was also a swimming instructor. Ms. Leslie was known for encouraging young people in their endeavors. A colleague said, “Her rapport with the students was good. She liked to have fun.” Every summer, she returned to Newark to visit her family then left for a trip abroad. She traveled extensively with a group of educators; going to Europe, South America, Russia, China (three times), Japan, Africa, and many other exotic places. Her learning experiences on these trips were so meaningful that she decided to help other teachers travel. One of her friends said, “She loved the scenery, loved the people and loved to barter…she liked to be part of the action.” Ms. Leslie died in 1995 at age 63. She established the Tibbie Leslie Fund in the Licking County Foundation through her will. Since 1999, the Tibbie Leslie Fund has provided over $175,000 in grants to support 91 travel experiences.
Applying for Travel Grants
The next cycle of Tibbie Leslie Travel Grant applications will be due in Fall 2018. To learn more information, please visit our website at www.thelcfoundation.org or call Amy Dell, Program Officer, at 740.349.3863 x108.
Pictured above, clockwise from top left: LCF Director Connie Hawk, Megan Hendershot, Dean Sandra Walker; Licking Heights Assistant Principal David Moore, Sean McCullough, Principal Ken Kraemer; Lauren Clark, Newark Principal Tom Bowman; LCF staff Megan Evans and Sarah Goldblatt, Melinda Talbott, Liberty Principal Diane Henry
