Seal Innovative Teaching Grant program founded and funded by Hancock Bank and managed by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Outstanding teachers from Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, and Pearl River counties received the annual Seal awards for teaching excellence in South Mississippi during a special luncheon at Hancock’s downtown Gulfport headquarters.

Winners receiving one-time $2,000 grants and $100 Visa gift cards are Shani Bourn of Hancock High School in Kiln; Karen J. Boutwell of Pearl River Central Middle School in Carriere; Clinton Brawley of Gulfport High School Career & Technology Center; Melanie Davis of Pass Road Elementary and Central Elementary schools in Gulfport; Pam Gunkel of Gulfport High School; Jenyck Litolff of Purvis Lower Elementary School; Amy Manning of Cherokee Elementary School in Pascagoula; Tammy McKenna of Central Middle School in Gulfport; Victoria Anderson Rudolph of College Park Elementary School in Gautier; and Tanya Voorhees of West Wortham Elementary and Middle School in Saucier.

“Since 1899 Hancock Bank has worked together with local people to create opportunities for our Gulf Coast home.