LULING – Local R.K. Smith Middle School students will gain unique educational experiences and incentives through celebrations and recognitions to honor their hard work, thanks to employees at the Luling Monsanto site who nominated the organization for a $19,000 grant.

The Luling Monsanto site has participated in the school’s Adopt-a-School program for more than two decades, assisting youth at the school through tutoring and other endeavors.

R.K. Smith Middle School, located in Luling, will use the grant to continue programs such as Tiger Tracks, Men of Integrity and Student/Faculty Appreciation Week. Additionally, the grant will fund field trips and honor roll celebrations.

“The monetary support given by the Monsanto Fund will

be used to provide students

and teachers with positive incentives,” said Harold Blood, R.K. Smith Middle School principal.

Dayna Parker, Luling Monsanto site representative, was excited to play a part in the donation. Parker noted Monsanto is a partner in education with the school. Monsanto employees attend the school’s quarterly honor roll celebration and provide recognition for students’ work.

“This grant will provide R.K. Smith Middle School an opportunity to augment and facilitate its curriculum in order to enrich the curriculum and innovative strategies that will increase students’ achievements,” Parker said.

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, presented the $19,000 grant to R.K. Smith Middle School at the school’s open house on Aug. 21.

“The countless hours that Monsanto employees have given to our students over the years cannot be measured,” Blood said. “We are so appreciative of Monsanto’s support.”

This year, the Monsanto Fund awarded 100 site grants to nonprofit organizations in 26 states. In Louisiana alone, six site grants were awarded that totaled $52,000. The Monsanto Fund continues to provide support to organizations such as R.K. Smith Middle School to help strengthen communities where farmers and Monsanto employees live and work.