Three Olentangy educators surprised with classroom scholarships through partnership with Standardized Brewing
The Olentangy Education Foundation (OEF) recently surprised three outstanding Olentangy educators with its inaugural Teacher Appreciation Award, a new program recognizing teachers who make an exceptional difference in the lives of their students. This is a new recognition program that allows community members the opportunity to nominate outstanding educators across the district.
OEF Executive Director Mary Lorenz and Trustee Colleen Restivo visited classrooms to present the awards in front of students, making the recognition even more memorable.
The first Teacher Appreciation Award recipients are:
Jared Mills, 8th Grade American History Teacher, Liberty Middle School
Stephanie Krammes-Parsons, German Teacher, Olentangy High School
Marcia Lower, 5th Grade Teacher, Glenn Oak Elementary School
Each recipient received a $250 classroom scholarship to purchase educational resources and a $20 gift card to Standardized Brewing. OEF extends special thanks to the school principals and leadership teams who helped coordinate the surprise presentations. And we can’t forget the amazing community members who submitted a nomination for outstanding teachers! OEF received over 64 nominations from across the district. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and took the time to tell your teacher how special they are to you!
The new award program was made possible through a generous partnership with Amy and Mark Robinson, owners of Standardized Brewing, who share OEF's commitment to supporting and celebrating Olentangy educators.
Mark & Amy Robinson, owners of Standardized Brewing with Mary Lorenz, OEF Executive Director.
"Our teachers do extraordinary things every day, and this program gives our community a meaningful way to recognize their impact," said Lorenz. "Thanks to Amy and Mark Robinson, we're not only celebrating outstanding teachers but also providing additional resources to benefit their students."
Through OEF's Staff Shout-Out program, parents, students, colleagues, and community members can nominate deserving educators. Three teachers are selected quarterly to receive the award.
The next awards will be presented in January 2027, and nominations are now open! Community members are encouraged to recognize their favorite Olentangy teachers by submitting an OEF Staff Shout-Out.
The community can also help sustain the program by supporting Standardized Brewing, where a portion of proceeds from every Blue Ribbon Brew sold benefits the Teacher Appreciation Fund.
OEF thanks Standardized Brewing, participating school leaders, and everyone who submitted nominations for helping launch this exciting new tradition of celebrating Olentangy's exceptional educators.
To learn more or nominate a teacher, visit TEACHER APPRECIATION AWARD.
OEF does not promote alcohol consumption. Blue Ribbon Brew is available only to adults ages 21 and older. Community members may also support the program through nominations and direct donations to OEF.