C.F. Pope Elementary School is celebrating exciting news as Physical Education teacher Tina Croom has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 NC Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom “Going Local” Grant, a recognition that supports innovative, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to agriculture and local food systems.
The grant, offered through the North Carolina Farm Bureau, is designed to help educators bring agriculture-based lessons to life in meaningful, engaging ways. Through this opportunity, Mrs. Croom will be able to expand learning experiences that encourage students to explore where their food comes from, understand the importance of farming in North Carolina, and make real-world connections between health, nutrition, and physical activity.
At C.F. Pope Elementary, Mrs. Croom has long been known for creating active, student-centered PE experiences that promote lifelong wellness. This grant will further enhance her ability to integrate agricultural concepts into movement-based learning, outdoor exploration, and cross-curricular activities that benefit students both in and beyond the gym.
School leaders and staff are celebrating this recognition as another example of the strong instructional leadership and creativity happening across campus. The “Going Local” initiative emphasizes the importance of connecting students to their community and environment, and Mrs. Croom’s work will help bring those ideas to life in a dynamic and engaging way.
Congratulations to Mrs. Croom on this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to inspire students through innovative and meaningful learning experiences.