At Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation, we believe that education is the foundation of a brighter tomorrow. Our commitment to supporting local communities goes beyond just providing reliable power; it’s about investing in the future of our children, our workforce, and the industries that drive us forward. That’s why we are proud to partner with the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at NC State University, a program that connects K–12 educators with industry opportunities to enhance STEM education.

This summer, Sarah Griffin-Greene, a dedicated STEM teacher at Rowland-Norment Elementary School and the 2024–25 Teacher of the Year for the Public Schools of Robeson County, joined us as the 2025-2026 Kenan Fellow. Her fellowship is just one example of how Lumbee River EMC is helping educators make lasting connections between the classroom and the workforce.

Every department that had the opportunity to work alongside Griffin-Greene saw the passion she brought to the fellowship and how genuine she was in her desire to learn about the different areas of our cooperative. At the end of each day, she would ask, “What do you want my students to know or learn about what you do?” She approached every task and lecture as a new opportunity to grow, not only for herself, but for her students as well.

Griffin-Greene felt learning from the member service representatives was the most impactful part of her fellowship, “It’s where everything begins, when people first reach out with questions or need new services. I was amazed by how knowledgeable the Member Services Representatives are and how they guide members through the entire process. Seeing the full journey of a new service from start to finish was eye-opening,” said Sarah.

 She was most impressed with how LREMC and RIVR Tech truly care about their members and employees, “Lumbee River EMC members are in good hands. The co-op is working hard to provide a reliable electric grid and to grow responsibly through community-focused projects,” said Sarah. During this fellowship Sarah discovered new ways to link education to real-life situations for her students, helping them excel and achieve their goals by teaching a lesson that will grow into a passion.