Electrifying Your Orchestra: Mark Wood in Concert with Olentangy Orange Orchestra

The Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF)was thrilled to support "Electrify Your Symphony - The True Colors Tour: Mark Wood in Concert with Olentangy Orange Orchestra", an unforgettable experience that brought the energy of rock music to the orchestral stage. This grant, written by Olentangy Orange Orchestra teacher Lori Cornett and made possible with funding from Fanning Howey, created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students and the community.

Students from Olentangy Orange High School, Berkshire Middle School, and Orange Middle School orchestras collaborated with Mark Wood, the original string master from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Together, they performed electrifying renditions of pop and rock classics by The Beatles, AC/DC, and The Weekend, blending the traditions of classical instruments with the energy of modern hits.

Over two high-energy performances on Saturday, November 16th, students played from memory, standing and dancing in the aisles, encouraging audience participation through singing and clapping. Several students had the unique opportunity to perform with specialized electronic orchestra instruments, adding an innovative touch to the performance. The event culminated in a breathtaking arrangement of "Carol of the Bells," a signature piece by Mark Wood and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

A highlight of the event was the raffle of a Mark Wood-signed electronic instrument, with proceeds benefiting the Olentangy Orange Orchestra. The incredible collaboration didn’t go unnoticed—just days after the event, Lori Cornett and her program were recognized by the Mark Wood Music Foundation as one of the “EYS Top Programs.” In celebration of their success, the foundation awarded a full tuition scholarship (valued at $1,600) to the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp (MWROC), giving an orchestra student—or several—the chance to further their musical journey.

OEF is proud to have supported this extraordinary program, which not only showcased the students' musical talents but also inspired creativity, leadership, and innovation. Congratulations to Lori Cornett, the students, and everyone who brought this electrifying experience to life!

Photo and media credits to Dave Chen.

Celebrating History and Diversity Through Theatre

The Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) was proud to support "Walk Don’t Ride! A Celebration of the Fight for Equality", a powerful performance by the OutLoud BIPOC Theatre Collective, part of Olentangy Orange High School's Orangelight Productions. Directed by Brian Gray and supported by Orange High School’s Theatre Director Cathy Swain-Abrams, this grant-funded production brought history to life on October 26th and 27th.

This moving play with music delved into pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement between 1955 and 1963, including the Montgomery bus boycotts and the Freedom Rides. Through compelling storytelling and heartfelt performances, the students honored the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for equality and justice.

Following each performance, audience members engaged in a meaningful discussion with the student performers, reflecting on the historical events and their relevance today. These conversations showcased the profound impact of art in fostering understanding and dialogue within our community.

OEF is committed to supporting initiatives like this that enrich educational experiences and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Congratulations to the OutLoud BIPOC Theatre Collective and Orangelight Productions for their outstanding work in inspiring, educating, and uniting us all!

CLICK HERE to learn more about upcoming performances and workshops with the Orangelight Productions.

Olentangy Teacher and Employee of the Year for 2024

OEF is proud to support Olentangy’s Teacher and Employee of the Year winners. These are Olentangy employees who go above and beyond in their positions. These individuals help make positive impact in the lives of Olentangy students and staff.

Meeder Wealth Management Group is the proud sponsor for this year’s awards. Awardees were presented a crystal award at selected home football games and were celebrated at a special dinner hosted by Meeder Wealth Management.

Please join us in congratulating the winners for the 2024 Olentangy‘s Teacher and Employee of the Year!

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Morgan Nickolai, Teacher at Alum Creek Elementary School

Colleen Works, Teacher at Arrowhead Elementary School

Angela Rietschlin, Teacher at Cheshire Elementary School

Kristin Durbin, Teacher at Freedom Trail Elementary School

Annaliese Krouse, Teacher at Glen Oak Elementary School

Peter Vu, Teacher at Heritage Elementary School

Polly Pachko, Teacher at Indian Springs Elementary School

Molly McPheron, Teacher at Johnnycake Corners Elementary School

Jessie Kirk, Teacher at Liberty Tree Elementary School

Roy Jacobsen, Teacher at Oak Creek Elementary School

Brandie Baker, Teacher at Olentangy Meadows Elementary School

Ramona Thompson, Teacher at Shale Meadows Elementary School

Elizabeth Madigan, Teacher at Scioto Ridge Elementary School

Stacey Petz, Teacher at Tyler Run Elementary School

Alison Phillips, Teacher at Walnut Creek Elementary School

Sarah Rolfsen, Teacher at Wyandot Run Elementary School

Emily Foster, Teacher at Olentangy Berlin Middle School

Christine Bassitt, Teacher at Olentangy Berkshire Middle School

Jim Meta, Teacher at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School

Mary Bischoff, Teacher at Olentangy Liberty Middle School

Jacqueline Timple, Teacher at Olentangy Orange Middle School

Jeanette Bowman, Teacher at Olentangy Shanahan Middle School

Amy Gestosani, Teacher at Olentangy Berlin High School

Micah Conley, Teacher at Olentangy High School

Kathleen Kieselbach, Teacher at Olentangy Liberty High School

Kari Phillips, Teacher at Olentangy Orange High School

Jamie Doup, Teacher at Olentangy Academy

Stephen Sisko, Teacher at OASIS

Cheryl Boyce, PreSchool Teacher

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

Bonnie Bourdette, Food Service at Scioto Ridge Elementary School (Retired in 2024)

Michael Horner, Maintenance for Olentangy Schools

Floyd "Bill" Angle, Custodial at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School

Kimberly Gobel, Driver for Olentangy Schools

Jennifer Tatz, Preschool Aide at Olentangy Shanahan Preschool

Sara Deericks, Elementary School Aide at Indian Springs Elementary School

Ashley Herlihy, Middle School Aide at Olentangy Orange Middle School

Amy Ciotola, High School Aide at Olentangy High School

Susan Henrickson, Building Secretary at Olentangy Berlin High School

Susan Coleson, Admin Secretary at Olentangy Schools Main Office

Deanna Hoffmann, Office Aide at Olentangy Orange Middle School

OEF Awards Record Total in Grants

We are thrilled to announce that the Olentangy Education Foundation has awarded a record-breaking $72,935 in classroom grants for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. These grants represent our ongoing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Olentangy students across various disciplines.

This year's grants cover a wide range of innovative projects, reflecting our dedication to supporting diverse educational initiatives. Among the funded projects are laser machines, topography tables, braille books, diverse theatre programming, and electrifying symphony experiences. These initiatives aim to enrich the learning environment and provide unique educational experiences that inspire and engage our students.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and donors whose generous contributions have made these grants possible. Your support plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and innovation in our classrooms, ultimately benefiting the entire Olentangy community.

We also commend the teachers and administrators of Olentangy Schools for their relentless dedication and commitment to thinking outside the box. Your passion for education and commitment to enhancing the educational experience of our students are truly commendable.

As we look forward to the school year ahead, we are excited to see these projects come to life and positively impact the educational journey of Olentangy students. Stay tuned as we share more details about these exciting opportunities throughout the year!