Carly Turner’s winning project aims to bring history to life

Alabama Humanities Foundation recognized four teachers from across the state, including Carly Turner of Demopolis Middle School, with the Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship, given to teachers in support of projects in history and civics in their classroom or school.

Named in memory of the late daughter of former Gov. Bob and Patsy Riley, winners are chosen based on their projects that share the same commitment Riley had as a teacher to enhance learning for students.

Winners were: Carly Turner of Demopolis Middle School, Marengo County; Tiffany Rushing of Knight Enloe Elementary, Randolph County; Della White of Chickasaw High School, Mobile County; and Lisa Williams of Brownwood Elementary School, Jackson County.  They were recognized with a plaque and a check for $1,000 each at The Alabama Colloquium, the annual awards event for AHF.

In addition to the scholarship award, in a surprise announcement, Kamau Bell, Emmy Award-winning host of CNN’s United Shades of America, pledged $1,000 to the teachers, noting their impact on students’ lives. Bell was inducted to the inaugural class of Alabama Humanities Fellows at the event.

“We are always proud of our teachers and their amazing projects to enhance learning across our state,” said AHF Executive Director Armand DeKeyser. “We are especially proud this year that the key figures in the Colloquium chose to honor our teachers through their words and gestures of giving.”

Turner’s winning project, “Google Expeditions,” is described as creating “lifelong history learners and civically involved citizens” by using virtual reality headsets and a teacher tablet to enhance the Google Expeditions App. “Students will have the ability to travel the world without ever leaving the classroom,” Turner said.

Alabama Humanities Foundation mission is to foster learning, understanding and appreciation of our people, communities and cultures. As the independent, state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the AHF supports and offers programs that will enhance the minds and enrich the lives of Alabamians.