Melissa Dorris, Carla Burgess, Katie Don Carlos and Kelly Rumpel
![Voya Unsung Hero grant winners Melissa Dorris, Carla Burgess, Katie Don Carlos and Kelly Rumpel Voya Unsung Hero grant winners Melissa Dorris, Carla Burgess, Katie Don Carlos and Kelly Rumpel](/sites/www/files/styles/unsung_hero/public/2021-09/UH_MO_Rumpel%20Burgess%20Dorris%20Carlos.jpg.webp?itok=KXvoBxiw)
The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Greenhouse Project,” will address the struggles many students have in a traditional classroom setting. The educators hope it will help them become a meaningful part of the community, and potentially enjoy rewarding and fulfilling careers in the future. The goal of the project is to provide as many real-world learning experiences as possible in a non-traditional school environment, growing students’ academic skills and competencies for employment. Supported by the Voya grant, the team will develop and maintain a functional and productive student-led agricultural greenhouse; promote math and science skills in addition to trade skills and competencies; and collaborate with the local community to identify ways to further partner with them.