On February 8th, the Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) hosted its first annual VIP Event at Brookshire Event Center, marking a significant milestone in our journey of supporting innovative classroom grants in Olentangy Schools. The evening was a celebration of the invaluable partnerships and unwavering support that have enabled us to enhance the education experience for every Olentangy student.
Among the guests in attendance were OEF's community partners, distinguished leaders from Olentangy Schools, and passionate educators who are at the forefront of driving positive change in our district. Together, we came together to reflect on our shared accomplishments and to envision a future filled with even greater possibilities.
One highlight of the evening was the recognition of Clair Howey for his years of steadfast support. In 2019, Mr. Howey established the Maryann Howey Art Fund with OEF in honor of his late wife and art enthusiast Maryann. His fund has reached endowed status and has been making a significant impact in art programs in all elementary schools across the district. In a touching moment, we presented Beth and Don Dennis, Mr. Howey's daughter and son-in-law, with the first annual "Maryann Howey Award of Excellence" in honor of Mr. Howey's outstanding contributions as a community partner. This award serves as a testament to the profound impact that individuals like Mr. Howey have in shaping the future of our community.
CLICK HERE to view a short video of “Thank you!” from some of our elementary students.
Dr. Michelle Blackley, Chief Academic Officer of Olentangy Schools, delivered an inspiring address highlighting the pivotal partnership between OEF and Olentangy Schools. Dr. Blackley emphasized the importance of continued growth and support, especially as our district continues to expand. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share in nurturing the educational journey of our students.
In the 2023-24 school year, OEF awarded more than $56,000 in innovative classroom grants, fueling creativity and fostering a love for learning in classrooms across our district. Looking ahead, we have budgeted to approve up to $75,000 for the 2024-25 school year, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our students and educators.
As we reflect on the success of our inaugural VIP Event, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community partners, Olentangy Schools leadership, and dedicated educators for their continued support. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of every Olentangy student.
Special thank you to Jonathan Juravich, Art Teacher at Liberty Tree Elementary and District Elementary Art Department Chair and all the elementary school art teachers! With their help we were able to gift our guests with beautiful gift cards featuring artwork from all 16 elementary schools! Please see the represented art in the video below.