Oscoda education opportunity foundation
Oscoda Education Opportunity Foundation
OUR MISSION
"to partner the resources and passions of our generous donors with the compelling needs of our students"
OUR BOARD
Back Row Jane Negro, President; Laura Franklin; Christine Kilmer, Treasurer; Mary Jo Samotis, Assistant Treasurer; Jennifer Lueck, and Scott Moore, Superintendent
Front Row: Jen Lee; Jonathon Dettmer, Vise-President; Anne Holley, Secretary, and Kelly Alexander
On January 7, 2025 we lost a friend and vital part of our Board of Directors, Mary Reitler:
Mary Reitler was a vital part of Oscoda Area Schools and the Oscoda Education Opportunity Foundation. She was a remarkable Principal and educator, who dedicated over 40 years to serving our school and community. Mary was a great member of our board for over 20 years. Her unwavering commitment to education and passion for serving her community left a positive impact on countless students and community members. She was not just a leader, but a beacon of hope and inspiration, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Her legacy of kindness and service will forever be remembered, and her spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
ABOUT US
The OEOF was formed in December 1992. It started with a small group of individuals who were committed to support Oscoda Area Schools staff and students. That small group was formed with dedicated volunteers representing the community, parents, OAS Board of Education, and OAS staff. The beginning of the Foundation coincided with the closure of Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Their vision was to “partner the resources and passions of our generous donors with the compelling needs of our students.”
Those founding board members set up a process so that contributions could be made by gifts of cash, personal property, real estate or a planned gift such as insurance, a trust, or a bequest. A Donor Club was established which has since been called the Owls Club. Graduating Senior Scholarships were the first to be established. Later Mini-Grants for OAS staff were established for special projects, materials and programs to supplement the curriculum. These grants also helped students attend various camps through out the years. The last scholarship to be developed was the Continuing Education Scholarship which is for OAS Alumni who wish to return to school.
The first scholarships were awarded in June of 1993 to 4 seniors for a total of $250. The OEOF has grown over the 30 years since its inception. We have paid out over $1,000,000 during that time in Scholarships for Graduating Seniors, Continuing Education Scholarships for Alumni who wish to go back to school and Mini-Grants for OAS staff. We have awarded scholarships to over 480 different students. Many of those students received more than one scholarship as we have awarded 670 senior scholarships.
The Oscoda Education Opportunity Foundation is a grass roots effort to meet the needs of area students today and in the future.
