KNOXVILLE -- Beaumont Magnet Academy, the only elementary arts magnet school in Knox County, has been chosen as one of 15 finalists for the $100,000 “Dream Big Teacher Grant”, sponsored by Farmers Insurance. BMA’s proposal for the $100,000 is to create several arts-themed areas on the existing BMA playground. The new playground features would be available for both school and community use.

On September 30th Beaumont invites local media to visit our school for a special contest kick-off event designed to connect with the grant’s “Dream Big” theme. Students and faculty will dress in pajamas, the cafeteria will serve breakfast for lunch, and the art students will create special dream themed art projects. The Beaumont campus will be covered with signs reminding families to “Dream Big” on Sept. 30 and then to VOTE BIG on Oct. 1st.

Starting Oct. 1, the school will ask everyone to vote online for their chance to be chosen as one of six $100,000 winners. Beaumont is the only Tennessee school in the contest, and anyone in the nation can vote daily to help BMA win. The school has created a website, www.voteBMA.com to provide more information and to direct the public to the voting website.

As a magnet school, anyone from anywhere in Knox County can apply to attend BMA. The fine arts curriculum includes classes in dance, theater, music and visual art as well as several museum partnerships. “Beaumont Magnet is such a unique place. The opportunity to take our arts inspired focus outside for the kids and community to enjoy would be amazing,” Burchett said. “Giving our kids and the neighborhood a safe place for creative play is a dream come true.”

Speaking to the importance of the proposal in a letter of support for the project, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said “Beaumont is one of Knoxville’s highest poverty and most diverse schools. This grant will enable them to reach students and the community in new and more creative ways.” Beaumont is a community school through the Great Schools Partnership.

Supporters of the proposal can vote every day, starting Oct. 1. At the end of October, the six schools with the highest number of votes will each win the $100,000 prize.

For information on the proposal and to vote, visit www.votebma.com.

Please contact Cheryl Burchett at Cheryl.burchett@knoxschools.org for more information.