OEF Proudly Sponsors the First Annual “Legends of Olentangy”

OEF Proudly Sponsors the First Annual “Legends of Olentangy”

The Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) is honored to sponsor the Olentangy Alumni Association’s first annual “Legends of Olentangy” celebration. This new event recognizes alumni and community members who exemplify leadership, service, and the spirit of Olentangy. The inaugural ceremony was held on Friday, September 19th at Olentangy High School. After the ceremony, the awardees were recognized at the OHS Homecoming football game.

About the Awards

• Distinguished Alumni Award – Recognizes professional achievement, leadership, or outstanding personal accomplishments of alumni who graduated more than 15 years ago.

• Young Alumni Achievement Award – Recognizes alumni who graduated within the last 15 years for outstanding post-secondary academic achievement, professional achievement, or leadership.

• Community Service Award – Recognizes alumni or individuals who have made a significant impact through volunteer service or philanthropic works. (Nominees in this category do not need to be alumni of Olentangy Schools but must be at least 18 years of age.)

2024 “Legends of Olentangy” Honorees

Distinguished Alumni Award: Jerry Cline (Class of 1965)
Jerry is a lifelong member of the Olentangy community who has spent decades championing public education and supporting generations of Olentangy students. He served eight years on the OLSD Board of Education, including two years as president, and embodies the dedication and pride that define Olentangy. Jerry was joined by his large family, and his granddaughters provided a moving tribute during the ceremony.

Young Alumni Achievement Award: Allyson (Fomich) Ritter (Class of 2015)
Ally is a driven and determined leader who has earned numerous accolades in engineering and construction as a Project Manager at Elford Construction. She has held leadership roles in the Society of Women Engineers and the National Association of Women in Construction, and remains engaged with Olentangy through the Olentangy:BridgEd program. Ally was recognized by her husband and a coworker from Elford.

Community Service Award: Beverly McDaniel (Class of 1984)
Beverly has dedicated 29 years of service to Olentangy Schools as a beloved food service worker at Alum Creek Elementary. She is deeply rooted in the Delaware community, giving back through the Delaware Eagles and Moose Lodge, and raising funds to support students at Shanahan Middle School’s Washington, D.C. trip. She embodies selfless service and continues to create meaningful opportunities for students and families across Delaware.

Celebrating Community Spirit

Thank you to Amanda Beeman from the Olentangy Local Schools Communications Department for organizing this wonderful event. Awards were presented by Superintendent Todd Meyer and OEF Executive Director Mary Lorenz.

OEF is proud to support the Olentangy Alumni Association and this meaningful new tradition honoring the leaders, volunteers, and alumni who make the Olentangy community shine.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Olentangy Alumni Association.

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Olentangy Education Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Memorial and Biliteracy Seal Scholarships. These scholarships recognize outstanding students from across the Olentangy Local School District who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their communities.

Memorial Scholarship Winners

• Dakota Klein – Olentangy High School

  • Recipient of the Jennifer Hrobuchak Memorial Scholarship

• Grace Blachly – Olentangy Liberty High School

  • Recipient of the Jennifer Lawrence-Kent Memorial Scholarship

• Audrie Prince – Olentangy Berlin High School

  • Recipient of the Linda Gregg Memorial Scholarship

These scholarships honor the memories of beloved educators and community members whose legacies continue to inspire Olentangy students. The awards were presented by OEF Board Trustee, Mikki Nelson.

Biliteracy Seal Scholarship Winners

• Shrey Kukreja – Olentangy High School

• Brody Van Frayen – Olentangy High School

• Arya Baviskar – Olentangy High School

These awards celebrate students who have earned the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy, showcasing their commitment to language learning and cross-cultural understanding. The awards were presented by Olentangy Schools Assistant Director of EL Programs, Eric Gulley. Thank you to McGraw-Hill for their generous sponsorship in support of the OEF Biliteracy Seal Scholarship.

Congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients! We are proud to support your continued success and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Olentangy Berlin Middle School Embraces Artistic Excellence with Visiting Ceramic Artist Eric Rausch

Olentangy Berlin Middle School recently celebrated a remarkable collaboration with ceramic artist Eric Rausch, thanks to the generous support of the Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF). Eric Rausch, known for his expertise in large-scale mosaic murals, embarked on an inspiring journey with the school's students, guiding them through the intricate process of creating a stunning mosaic mural.

From the outset, Eric Rausch captivated students with his artistic journey and professional insights, inspiring them to explore the world of ceramic artistry. Under his guidance, students enthusiastically engaged in every aspect of the mural-making process. They meticulously cut clay pieces, applied underglaze, and employed the sgraffito technique to add texture and detail. Each student contributed to the mural's design, ensuring it reflected both their creativity and a profound sense of community.

Reflecting on the transformative impact of the project, Kaitlyn Kennedy, the Art Teacher spearheading the initiative, remarked, "This project offered students a unique and authentic opportunity to engage with a professional artist and participate in the full arc of a real-world art installation—from concept to creation to installation. The impact on their learning, confidence, and collaborative spirit has been remarkable. We are deeply grateful for OEF’s support in making this project possible."

The Olentangy Education Foundation is proud to support initiatives like these that foster creativity, collaboration, and lasting educational impact. The mosaic mural at Olentangy Berlin Middle School serves as a vibrant testament to the power of arts education and community support, promising to enrich the school environment for generations to come.

Empowering STEAM Learning Through LEGO Education - GRANT HIGHLIGHT

Shale Meadows Elementary is embracing innovation and creativity with the introduction of the Monarch LEGO Coders program, generously sponsored by HR Imaging and facilitated by the Olentangy Education Foundation. This initiative integrates LEGO Education's Spike Essential set into the curriculum, transforming the Media Center into a hub of STEAM exploration.

The Monarch LEGO Coders program goes beyond traditional learning methods by combining Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with hands-on coding experiences. Students at Shale Meadows are not only learning to code using motors, gyro and color sensors, and light displays but are also engaging in collaborative storytelling projects. Recently, third-grade students showcased their creativity by constructing "Garbage Monsters" in honor of Earth Day. These imaginative robots were programmed to interact with specific colored LEGO bricks, demonstrating the students' newfound coding skills and environmental awareness.

Jennifer Beaupre, the Library Media Specialist at Shale Meadows, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of the program: "Monarch LEGO Coders has empowered our third-grade students to explore the fundamentals of coding and robotics using LEGO Spike kits provided by OEF. Through projects like the 'Trash Monster' robot, students not only apply their coding knowledge but also strengthen their problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills."

LEGO Education's approach emphasizes real-world applications of STEAM concepts through playful learning experiences. The Spike Essential set offers a versatile platform with over 67 lesson opportunities and 100 hours of engaging content, accessible in 21 languages and tailored with various accessibility tools. This inclusive approach ensures that every student can participate and thrive in the world of STEAM education.

The Monarch LEGO Coders grant at Shale Meadows Elementary exemplifies the Olentangy Education Foundation's commitment to enriching educational opportunities. By integrating STEAM into everyday learning, students are equipped with essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication. These skills are not only vital for academic success but also prepare students for future challenges and innovations.

As the program continues to inspire young minds, Shale Meadows looks forward to further exploration and creativity in the realms of coding, robotics, and STEAM education. The support from HR Imaging and the Olentangy Education Foundation has been instrumental in fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive and excel.

For more information on the Monarch LEGO Coders program and other initiatives supported by the Olentangy Education Foundation, please visit GRANTS LINK.