March 27, 2019

Continuing its support of teachers, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is once again awarding new teaching equipment to South Carolina teachers who inspire their students to Live Fearless in the classroom.

Tonya Davis and Jessica Parker were selected out of more than 100 submissions from teachers seeking tools, school supplies or other resources that would motivate their students to Live Fearless.

“We selected these two teachers because their entries embody the meaning of Live Fearless,” said BlueCross president Scott Graves. “They are producing brave students by breaking new ground, overcoming adversity and expanding comfort zones. We received some incredible entries for this campaign and are impressed with the amazing work teachers are doing in the classroom.”

Davis, a science teacher at Calhoun County High School in St. Matthews, is getting $3,700 to update and replace her lab equipment.

“I have been at this school for 21 years and I am using beakers, test tubes and clamps that are more than 40 years old,” Davis said. “More than ever there is a need to teach STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) courses. I want to show the students all the exciting things they can learn and motivate them for a STEM career, or even become a teacher.”

Parker, a teacher at Dewey Carter Elementary School in Effingham, will use an aero garden to teach students about growing fresh vegetables and produce. An aero garden is a dirt-free, indoor garden that grows almost anything with no weeds or soil.

“Farm-to-school is very popular right now, and I thought it was a unique way for my students to learn how easy it is to have fresh vegetables,” Parker said. “It’s a hands-on activity and fits perfectly with our school wellness policy.”

Members of the public can submit their own stories at any time and view other stories at www.LiveFearlessSC.com or by searching social media using #LiveFearlessSC.

About BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Headquartered in Columbia and operating in South Carolina for 74 years, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina comprises more than 20 companies involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health program and Medicare contracts, other insurance and employee benefits services, and a philanthropic foundation that funds programs to improve health care and access to health care for South Carolinians.