farragutpress

DAR chapter presents grant to Greenback School teacher

October 7, 2026 by Staff Reports

LOUDON COUNTY — General William Lenoir Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently awarded the Helen Pouch $500 grant to Greenback School teacher Shannon Smith of Greenback. “The Helen Pouch Classroom Grant is designed to support classroom teachers in grades K-12 by providing financial assistance for educational resources and supplies,” stated Ann Walden with the DAR chapter. “Two grants are allotted per state and Shannon was one of the two chosen based upon her project.

“She is the Greenback High School sixth- and seventh-grade language arts teacher, and her project is to provide flexible seating options in the classroom that can help eliminate distractive behaviors while increasing participation and comprehension,” Walden said. “Learning should engage all senses and not be stifled by sedentary placement in a classroom.

“Shannon has been able to purchase a walking pad with standing desk, bean bag chairs with lap desks, bouncy bands, portable elliptical feet or wiggle feet for students to use while seated, and over the door mini basketball net and ball for brain breaks or reward,” Walden said.

The General Lenoir DAR chapter encompasses members from many areas, including Farragut and West Knox. At its Sept. 12 meeting, Smith was awarded an NSDAR Certificate of Achievement by Chapter Regent Melody Gentry.