J.C. Harmon High School Teacher Named Grand Prize Winner in Back-to-School Classroom Grant

J.C. Harmon High School science teacher Bailey Bacon will kick off the school year on a high note after being named the grand prize winner of a back-to-school grant.

On Tuesday, August 12, Kansas City-based architecture and design firm Hollis + Miller awarded Bacon a $750 classroom grant.

Bacon says she filled out the application for the grant because a friend who works at Hollis + Miller encouraged her to do so.  

The nine-year veteran at J.C. Harmon says it was a total surprise when she found out that she had won. “I was very surprised because I presumed with an amount like that, a lot of people also filled out the application,” she shared.

Bacon says the money will come in handy for her science classes this year. She hopes to purchase an anatomy or science model that her students can study.  

She also plans to buy smaller items, including cotton balls, plastic petri dishes, popsicle sticks, food dye, vinegar, and more.

J.C. Harmon Principal Dr. Edward Franco was not surprised that Bacon won. He believes it’s well deserved.

“I’m very proud of Bailey. She has accomplished a lot of things. She’s not just an educator, but a mentor to our students. On top of her being “Teacher of the Year,” and being a wonderful teacher for our students, she is very supportive in all of our community events and activities we have. She is an essential educator,” added Franco. 

Bailey was also recognized during the 2025 Annual KCKPS Convocation, where she was acknowledged for being a Teacher of the Year recipient.  

Congratulations, Bailey.