Clover LEAF - South Carolina

10/05/2026

Grants at work in the classroom!

We love seeing Clover LEAF grants making a difference beyond the classroom!

Dr. Qaqish and the Clover High School Chess Team are putting chess sets purchased through a Clover LEAF grant to great use by mentoring and teaching younger students the game of chess.

It’s a wonderful example of how a grant can provide resources that inspire students, build connections across grade levels, and create meaningful opportunities for learning.

That’s the impact of investing in our students!

09/04/2026

ATTENTION CLOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATORS!
The deadline for submission is TONIGHT!
Friday, September 4, 2026 at midnight.

Below is one more of the grants funded during the 2025–2026 school year - each one showcasing the creativity, dedication, and student-centered vision of our educators. We hope these stories spark new ideas and encourage Clover School District educators to submit proposals that can make an even greater impact in classrooms.

You can find the Grant Application and more information at: https://www.cloverleafsc.org/apply-for-a-grant

Proposal: 2026 CREATE Robotics Competition: Virginia Mayberry, Harrison Mayberry, Clover Middle School

The Clover Middle School Robotics Team has been invited to attend the 2026 Create US Open Robotics Competition in Council Bluff, Iowa. This competition is by invitation only. As of this writing, only one other team will be in attendance from South Carolina. Teams from all over the US along with China and Canada will be in attendance.

VEX Robotics team members design, build, test, and compete with their own personalized robots. Students have full autonomy to build their robots how they see fit. This year team 1660B “Triple Trouble” has won awards at two different competitions including the Innovation Award at Clemson University for their unique roller intake system, and the Judge's Award for their Engineering Notebook and fully coding their robot in Python. These two awards were integral in recognizing the team to receive the invitation to the 2026 US Open Competition.

Impact

Over the course of three intensive days, Triple Trouble represented Clover Middle School with technical skill and professional resolve. The team performed admirably during the qualifying rounds, securing several key victories that allowed them to advance into the highly competitive elimination bracket. While the team was ultimately eliminated in the first round of bracket play, the experience proved to be an invaluable professional development opportunity. Our students engaged with elite teams from across the United States, China, Australia, and Canada, exchanging engineering insights and strategic perspectives.

Students had the following key achievements and growth:
● Adaptive Engineering: Students demonstrated exceptional agility by making real-time programming adjustments to resolve technical failures during match play.
● Strategic Collaboration: The team navigated the complexities of alliance selections with maturity, building productive partnerships with international peers.
● Global Networking: By observing global design standards, the team has returned with a broader understanding of advanced robotics architecture.

The dedication shown by Triple Trouble this season has set a high standard for our STEM program. With the conclusion of this year’s championship, the team is already shifting focus toward the upcoming season's game reveal, eager to apply their new knowledge to the next generation of Clover Robotics.

Clover LEAF shared in covering costs with Dr. Millicent Dickey, Chief Academic Officer for Clover School District, and parents of team members.

09/04/2026

Clover educators, don't forget that today is the deadline for teacher grant applications. Don't miss your chance to have Clover LEAF fund your innovative classroom idea. Submit your application before midnight tonight to be considered for one of this year's awards.

08/28/2026

Members of the Clover LEAF Board were treated to a personal tour of Lake Wylie High School on Thursday evening. Principal Calub Courtwright showed off the fantastic facilities he and his students and staff are now calling home. Clover LEAF is proud to support the great work already happening in the new schools and across the Clover School District.

08/25/2026

CLOVER EDUCATORS

The deadline for submission of a proposal for a Clover LEAF grant is Friday, September 4, 2026 at midnight. You can find the Grant Application and more information at : https://www.cloverleafsc.org/apply-for-a-grant

A key goal in LEAF’s Strategic Plan is to invest in programs and projects that promote educational innovation and academic achievement. To support that goal, Clover LEAF provides funding for classroom materials, tools, and equipment that fall outside the school district’s regular budget. Scott Boyd’s Fire Science proposal is one example of this work in action through a unique, multi-disciplinary grant. We hope these summaries of grants funded during the 2025–2026 school year encourage CSD teachers to submit proposals that enrich students’ educational experiences.

Fire Science Grant

In August of 2025 Scott Boyd, Fire Science Teacher, CCI, submitted a grant request as a joint venture between Fire Science and Building Construction at Clover High School. The Fire Science Class needed a roof prop to teach fire students how to work on a pitched roof, and what it would take to cut a 4x4 hole to vertically ventilate a building.

Impact

First, thank you and the Clover LEAF Committee so much for picking me for this honor this year. Mr. Clinton and I have been busy getting a plan together for the roof project. During our time planning we found out that one of the buildings that the FFA uses was starting to fall apart. Mrs. Bolin asked Mr. Clinton if he would help with that project also. He and I decided it would be beneficial to join both projects together.

Mrs. Bolin provided money to help with walls and flooring, and I am taking the money that Clover LEAF gave me and will pay for the roof of the building. This will provide the fire class with a nice full building to work from. The big take away is that now three classes benefited from the Clover LEAF grant, FFA will now have a nice building to keep their equipment in, fire will have a building and pitched roof to work from, and building construction gets to build a whole new building and learn from it.

Apply For A Grant.  Clover LEAF supports Clover School District (CSD) in achieving educational excellence by funding innovative and imaginative educational programs through grants. Our mission revolves around these grants, which empower educators to bring creativity and innovation into the classr...

08/18/2026

ATTENTION CLOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT EDUCATORS!

Clover LEAF is excited to spotlight the powerful ways educators are bringing innovation to life across the Clover School District. As part of our Strategic Plan, Clover LEAF is proud to invest in programs and projects that promote educational innovation and academic achievement, helping great ideas become meaningful learning experiences for students.

Over the next few weeks, we will feature several grants funded during the 2025–2026 school year—each one showcasing the creativity, dedication, and student-centered vision of our educators. We hope these stories spark new ideas and encourage Clover School District educators to submit proposals that can make an even greater impact in classrooms.

Bring Your Idea to Life

Now is the time to turn your innovative classroom idea into reality. Submit your proposal by Friday, September 4, 2026, at midnight. The grant application and additional information are available here:
https://www.cloverleafsc.org/apply-for-a-grant

The Proposal: ABii Robot: Danyelle Wilson, Oakridge Elementary School

The purpose of this project is to integrate the Abii Robot into my classroom to provide students with engaging, personalized support in both ELA and math. Abii adapts to each learner’s needs by offering interactive practice aligned to grade-level standards, giving immediate feedback, and tracking progress over time. This innovative tool helps improve student achievement by reinforcing core literacy and math skills, while also motivating students to stay focused through its fun, game-like format.

The Impact:

Dear Clover Leaf Grant Association,
I am writing to sincerely thank you for your generous donation, which made it possible for me to receive training to become an ABii trainer at my school. Your support has created an incredible opportunity not only for me professionally, but more importantly, for the kindergarten students I serve each day. Because of your support, we are now able to implement this innovative technology in multiple classrooms, expanding its impact beyond just one grade level.

ABii is an interactive, personalized learning robot designed to support early learners in English Language Arts, Math, and Life Skills (Social Emotional Lessons) aligned to South Carolina standards. What makes ABii especially impactful for kindergarten students is its ability to adapt instruction to each child’s individual learning level.

One of the most powerful aspects of ABii is the detailed data it provides teachers. Visual data dashboards allow us to quickly identify strengths, skill gaps, and trends, helping us make informed instructional decisions. In addition to academic growth, ABii measures student attentiveness and engagement during lessons. The data allows us to see patterns, such as whether students are more focused in the morning or afternoon, helping teachers make informed instructional decisions.

08/11/2026

Clover LEAF is proud to invest in the future of the Clover School District and support the students and educators who make our schools exceptional.

At the Clover LEAF Gala this spring, principals from the district’s three newest schools—Calub Courtwright of Lake Wylie High School, Dr. Maurice Thomas of Roosevelt Middle School, and Shavon O’Brien of Liberty Hill Elementary School—were each presented with grants to support initiatives at their new schools.

While teacher grants are an important part of Clover LEAF’s mission, the foundation’s support extends far beyond the classroom. Clover LEAF invests in a variety of initiatives throughout the district that strengthen the educational experience and create additional opportunities for both students and educators.

CSD educators, don’t miss your opportunity to turn an innovative idea into reality! Teacher grant applications are due September 4, and you could be one of this year’s lucky recipients.

Last year, Clover LEAF awarded more than $20,000 in teacher grants to help educators bring creative ideas and meaningful learning experiences to life.

Apply for a Clover LEAF Teacher Grant at https://www.cloverleafsc.org/apply-for-a-grant

Clover LEAF is proud to partner with CSD educators to invest in ideas, inspire innovation, and strengthen education—one grant at a time.

08/07/2026

Clover LEAF Directors enjoyed participating in this year's Clover School District Back to School Bash. As an event sponsor, the group distributed free drawstring bags to each student and offered free books from "Mrs. Ciurlik's Library," a resource library for educators located within Classroom Central.

Board members will soon be visiting schools to promote this year's Clover LEAF Teacher Grant applications, which are due by September 4. Teachers, be sure to submit your applications; your creative and innovative project ideas could get the funding you need to make your ideas a reality! Last year, Clover LEAF gave out more than $20,000 in teacher grants, so don't miss out on your opportunity!

https://www.cloverleafsc.org/apply-for-a-grant

06/22/2026

As Clover LEAF closes out another successful academic year, new board member orientation sessions are wrapping up, and the Foundation is pleased to welcome four outstanding community leaders to its Board of Directors this year:

Kimberly Cauble, Kimberly Cauble Photography
Tim Conley, Upper Palmetto YMCA
Tracy Latham, Rejuvenate at Lake Wylie
Marie Spearman, BNA CPAs & Advisors

These individuals join a dedicated group committed to advancing Clover LEAF’s mission of supporting education and innovation within the Clover School District.

By fostering collaboration among educators, businesses, and community members, Clover LEAF continues to invest in innovative opportunities that enrich classrooms and strengthen schools. The Foundation looks forward to the knowledge, experience, and passion these new board members will bring as it builds a brighter future and makes a lasting impact on students, teachers, and the entire Clover community.

06/18/2026

Thank you to Tracy Stiff for sharing these wonderful photos from one of the most sought-after auction experiences at the Clover LEAF Gala—a private dinner prepared by Chef Scott Michaw of the Center for Career Innovation.

A heartfelt thank you to Melanie Wilson, the generous winning bidder and gracious host, for opening her home for this special evening. We are also grateful to Saltwater Markets and The Mustard Seed for providing the exceptional ingredients that helped make the meal unforgettable.

Clover LEAF sincerely appreciates Melanie and her husband, Chad, for their long-standing commitment to Clover LEAF and the Clover School District. Their continued generosity and support make a lasting impact on our students and teachers.

Finally, thank you to Chef Michaw for so generously sharing his culinary talents to help Clover LEAF continue its mission of enriching educational opportunities throughout the Clover School District. His commitment is unmatched!