Envision Credit Union unveils five updated teacher lounges in makeover contest

Published 10:24 am Thursday, May 22, 2025

1/2
Jones Wheat Primary
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Winning schools received staff lounge makeovers in time for Teacher Appreciation Week 

[Tallahassee, Fla.] – Envision Credit Union (Envision) is proud to announce the completion of its Teacher  Lounge Makeover Contest. This initiative launched earlier this year in advance of Teacher Appreciation  Week (May 5–9) and invited schools throughout Envision’s member service areas in North Florida and  South Georgia to apply. Five winning schools were selected to receive a staff lounge makeover and now  the updated rooms have officially been revealed and are ready to be enjoyed by educators and staff in  each of the winning schools.  

A selection committee from Envision reviewed dozens of heartfelt submissions before choosing one  winning school from each of its five service areas in Leon, Gadsden, Thomas, Decatur, and Jackson  counties. The winning schools who received staff lounge makeovers are: 

  • Chattahoochee Elementary School in Chattahoochee, FL 
  • Cottondale Elementary School in Cottondale, FL 
  • John G. Riley Elementary School in Tallahassee, FL 
  • Jones Wheat Primary School in Bainbridge, GA 
  • Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, GA 

Email newsletter signup

“This lounge makeover is just a small way for us to say thank you for the big impact teachers and school  staff make every single day,” said Kelli Walter, Vice President of Community Development at Envision  Credit Union. “We hope each of these recipients feel celebrated, appreciated, and at home in their new  spaces.” 

A wish list of desired upgrades guided each makeover, ensuring the result met the unique needs and  preferences of each school. These upgrades included thoughtful additions such as new seating, fresh  décor, upgraded appliances, organization solutions, and calming elements to help teachers recharge  during their day. 

An essential element in bringing these lounge transformations to life was the involvement of the Florida  A&M University (FAMU) School of Architecture & Engineering Technology. Students and faculty from the  school collaborated closely with Envision to develop design plans tailored to each winning school’s 

space. Their contributions ensured that each room not only looked refreshed but was also functionally  optimized for relaxation, efficient use of space, and staff well-being. 

“We were thrilled to partner with Envision for this project and allow our students to apply their skills to  real-world projects that have a meaningful impact,” said Andrew Chin, Dean of the FAMU School of  Architecture & Engineering Technology. “It was an incredible opportunity to give back to the  community while enhancing learning through service.” 

Envision Credit Union, founded by educators and deeply rooted in education, remains committed to finding new ways to give back to teachers and school staff. The Lounge Makeover Contest is just one of  many initiatives the credit union leads to recognize and uplift those who help shape the future of local  communities. 

For photos and videos of the completed lounge makeovers, or to learn more about Envision Credit  Union’s education-based programs, visit www.envisioncu.com

# # # 

About Envision Credit Union 

Founded in 1954 by Leon County educators, Envision Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution  focused on providing personalized products and services of exceptional value to members at the lowest  possible cost. Today, Envision serves more than 63,000 members across 19 counties in Florida and  Georgia. With nearly $809 million in current assets, it maintains a strong focus on giving back to  education-based initiatives and upholding the credit union philosophy of helping people.