Dr. Joseph Burke, right, and Principal Ron Davis.

Students has just been released from East Lee High School in Lehigh. After the stampeded out the front door, the teachers and staff members of the school headed for the auditorium to hear some news from Lee County Superintendent Dr. Joseph Burke who stepped before the microphone and told them the school was the recipient of a federal magnet grant.

Burke said a grant of $4 million was being awarded over the next three years to support innovative magnet programs at two target schools, East Lee county High and Fort Myers Middle Academy.

“Fort Myer Middle will receive $1.8 million and more than half of the grant is coming to East Lee County High School.

Teachers cheered as if they were at a football game. Ron Davis, the school’s principal stood near by the superintendent with a big smile on his face.

He told the group later that the applicant for the grant had been made but they had not hear anything until just recently when U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson became involved.

Dr. Joseph Burke announces grant.

“And in this grans is money for our teachers for those who don’t have a master’s degree, to get one through the grant,” Davis said.

Actually, the federal magnet schools assistance program grant totals a little more than $4 million, but E. Lee County High School, is getting the lion’s share of the money.

When Sen. Nelson notified the Lee County School Board last week that the grant had come through, he said he knew it was crucial for students to have all the tools they needed to succeed.

“This grant will do just that by expanding and enhancing programs at the two schools,” Nelson said.

Burke told the gathering that the aim of the grant was to provide leadership, career and college preparatory training, creating the 21st century citizen.

Now the school can expect to provide innovative programs that enrich and academically challenge our students,” Principal Davis said following the brief announcement.

“That $2 million plus for East Lee will help us enhance our JROTC Leadership Academy and bring about academic discipline for our students,” Davis said.

“This grant will change our lives,” David went on. “We can expect to teach using the best technology available,” he said.

Superintendent Burke publically thanked U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and said the school system is committed to providing every available opportunity and educational experience for students.

Fort Myers Middle Academy will revise its technology magnet by becoming a college and career preparatory academy integrating technology through the school and by adding an instructional program around the Renzulli School wide Enrichment Model from the University of Connecticut, Burke said.

In addition to enhancing and expanding its JROTC Leadership Academy, the grant is expected to help pay for fulfilling the mission of providing students with incorporating the JROTC principles of leadership, discipline, patriotism, community service and honor.

There is no military obligation for students who want to develop leadership skills and improve their academics.

The school in Lehigh has numerous community partners such as the Lehigh and East Rotary clubs, the Lehigh Regional Medical Center and the Kiwanis Club of Lehigh Acres.

On hand for the announcement in Lehigh were members from the school board’s main office.

“There will be more in your email boxes next week,” Principal Davis said.

All students will be provided meaningful and relevant instructions that will be accessible to all students.

“This has been a great day for East Lee County High School,” Davis said.