Olentangy Teacher and Employee of the Year for 2023

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

Meeder Financial Management group is the proud sponsor for this year’s awards. Awardees will be presented a crystal award at selected home football games and they will also be celebrated at a special dinner hosted by Meeder Finanical Management.

Please join us in congratulating the winners for the 2023 Olentangy ‘s Teacher and Employee of the Year!

TEACHER OF THE YEAR WINNERS

Renee Green, Intervention Specialist at Alum Creek Elementary School

Lauren League, Intervention Specialist at Arrowhead Elementary School

Christina Hess, Kindergarten at Cheshire Elementary School         

Catherine Raiff, Grade 5 at Freedom Trail Elementary School        

Carrie Isabelle, Kindergarten at Glen Oak Elementary School        

Kara Hemminger, Library/Media Specialist at Heritage Elementary School              

Jennifer Fitzer, School Counselor at Indian Springs Elementary School      

Marcia Lower, Grade 4 at Johnnycake Corners Elementary School              

Lauren Day, ELL at Liberty Tree Elementary School            

Elizabeth Adair, Intervention Specialist at Oak Creek Elementary School  

Tiffany Hunter, Intervention Specialist at Olentangy Meadows Elementary School               

Megan Fulper, Intervention Specialist at Shale Meadows Elementary School         

Emily Butte, Grade 5 at Scioto Ridge Elementary School 

Susan Stegner, Grade 1 at Tyler Run Elementary School  

Jennifer Chimbidis, Intervention Specialist at Walnut Creek Elementary School    

Megan Beymer, Kindergarten at Wyandot Run Elementary School                             

Christopher Craig, Technology Education at Olentangy Berkshire Middle School   

Eric Polhemus, Intervention Specialist at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School              

Holly Washington, School Counselor at Olentangy Liberty Middle School

Diana Lowe, Art Olentangy at Orange Middle School       

Rebecca Ward, Grade 8 at Olentangy Shanahan Middle School                                    

Erin Bush, Journalism Olentangy at Berlin High School    

Molly Shuman, Science at Olentangy Liberty High School              

Stephen Gunther, School Counselor at Olentangy Orange High School     

David Harman, Industrial Technology Olentangy High School

Joshua Holt, English at OASIS     

Laura Gambill, Preschool             

Claudia Wade, Family and Consumer Science at Olentangy Academy        

CLASSIFED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR WINNERS

Tamara Ensign, Food Service Manager at Arrowhead Elementary School 

Narciso Bando, Head Field Service Tech in Olentangy Maintenance           

Alex McLain, Head Custodian at Orange Middle School

Kevin Ball, Driver for Olentangy Transportation                  

Sarah Sharp, Preschool Aide at Wyandot Run Elementary Preschool         

Lisa Calabrese, Executive Secretary at District Office                        

Kristine Vance, Building Secretary at Olentangy Meadows Elementary School

Linda Barnhart, Clinic Aide at Hyatts Middle School

Melissa Billy, Elementary Intervention Aide at Walnut Creek Elementary School

Debra Michael, Middle Intervention Aide at Liberty Middle School

Jamie Pollitt-Gore, High Intervention Aide at Olentangy High School

ZOOlentangy 2023: A Roaring Success for OEF's Annual Fundraiser

Over $96,000 Raised to Enhance Education in Olentangy Schools

The Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) celebrated a night of tremendous success at our 4th annual fundraiser, ZOOlentangy, held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Friday, August 11th. The event had an enthusiastic turnout and generous donations, raising over $96,000 to support innovative programming in the Olentangy School District.

The evening's theme, "Art of Education," not only celebrated the fusion of art and learning but also showcased the remarkable talents of Olentangy students. Artwork from across the school district adorned table displays and presentations, emphasizing the importance of creativity in education.

The highlight of the night was the announcement that over $9,400 was raised during the event, and this sum was further magnified by the generosity of Platinum Sponsor Fanning Howey and Associates, who matched the donation with an additional $3,000. This means that a total of over $12,000 will be dedicated to an Art Grant that will directly benefit Middle and High School students in Olentangy Schools. This grant promises to enrich the arts education experience, inspiring creativity and innovation among the students.

Todd Meyer, the Superintendent for Olentangy Schools, was presented with a check for $56,455 during the event. These funds will be allocated towards classroom grants that will be implemented during the 2023-24 school year. These grants serve as a testament to OEF's commitment to providing educators with the resources needed to create engaging and transformative learning experiences for Olentangy students.

The success of ZOOlentangy was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, with a special thanks to Platinum Sponsors Fanning Howey and Associates and The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Their unwavering commitment to education and the Olentangy community played a vital role in the event's triumph. We would also like to thank ALL of our wonderful sponsors, please see full list here.

Families, friends, and supporters of Olentangy Schools came together to enjoy a fun-filled evening that featured not only inspiring education but also encounters with a variety of captivating animals and delectable cuisine.

The Olentangy Education Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to ZOOlentangy 2023. Your dedication to OEF's mission to enhance the educational experience for every Olentangy student is making a profound impact, ensuring that students have access to innovative and enriching programs that prepare them for a bright future.

With such overwhelming support, the Olentangy School District can continue to strive for educational excellence and empower the next generation of leaders.

Special thanks to Julie Feasel (OEF Board Trustee) for chairing the event and Dan Swartwout for emceeing the event.

OEF Grant Spotlight - Olentangy High School - Visiting Artists Series

Todd Camp: Dress Pattern Sculptures (Painter/Sculptor/Ceramics)

Through the support of an OEF classroom grant, art students at Olentangy High School had the opportunity to meet and witness the craft and skills of three professional artist in their classroom. The Visiting Artists’ Series was a first for the district, and according to art teacher Rhainy Edwards and her students - it was a huge success and impactful. I asked Rhainy to share with me how this unique experience impacted her students and this is what she said…..

“The Visiting Artists' Series impacted multiple levels of different disciplines throughout Olentangy's Art Department. Having professional artists share their craft, skills, and life experiences exposed our students to the endless possibilities in the visual arts world! Not only did students get to know the artists personally, but they had the opportunity to work directly with them. Many of our students shared their other artwork and discussed directions and possibilities. The grant has endless possibilities with the variety of artists and materials we could introduce in the classroom. I hope to continue to bring new artists and resources in the classroom in the future!” - Rhainy Edwards, Art Education at Olentangy High School

The three visiting artists were:

• Chris Powell: Ceramic Artist

• Todd Camp: Dress Pattern Sculptures (Painter/Sculptor/Ceramics)

• Hailey Piche: Ceramic Artist (Alumni OHS 2019/recent graduate from Bowling Green and currently applying for artist residencies)

ZOOlentangy Tickets go on sale JUNE 11th!!

We are excited to announce that the ZOOlentangy tickets will be open to the public starting on Sunday, June 11th.

This year we are planning the event around the theme, “The ART of Education”. We will be featuring art from Olentangy students and teachers at the event. There will be animal encounters, giraffe feedings, silent-auction baskets, and art-related activities! We are welcoming back Powell’s Mayor Dan Swartwout as the emcee of ceremonies. It’s going to be a fun night for all and we look forward to seeing you!

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Lorenz at mlorenz@olentangyef.org.