OFA Class of 1965 puts out the challenge

Pictured is the recipient of the Christine Montgomery Sinko Award, Samantha Knop.

In 2015, the OFA Class of 1965 celebrated their 50-year class reunion. They decided it would be a great time to make a nice gift to the school. They held auctions at the reunion, 50/50 drawings and other ways to raise money. They decided they wanted to invest in a student’s future, so they offered a scholarship award.

The Class raised enough to award four $500 awards, and three seniors graduating the following June took advantage of it. They met with the guidance counselors and picked the students.

They approached their classmates about continuing the practice by yearly donations to a Pay it Forward Fund. They agreed that any amount would be acceptable, from $1 to $500, and they would even make it easy through PayPal so donors can contribute small amounts monthly or weekly if they chose.

This year, the Class raised enough money for six $500 awards.

Pictured is the recipient of the Gary Fawcett Military Award, Brianna Tillotson.

They chose to honor former classmates with some awards and three former teachers. They welcomed several guest presenters that honored their loved one.

The Class is hoping to continue with these awards and with this in mind, they want to challenge other classes to do the same.

A member from the class stated, “Education is important and we really look at those going to trade schools and into apprenticeships and even the military. There is a lot to consider in furthering education. We want to see other classes stepping up to the challenge as well. Start with one award and see it grow. It feels good to turn back and give those behind us a hand, and as Tim Magraw would say, ‘To help the youth of today step into the world of tomorrow.’”

Pictured is the recipient of the Cheryl Pierson Brown scholarship, Jacob Zlinsky.

This year’s presenters were Diane Szlucha for the Cheryl Pierson Brown award, Bonnie Morlando for the Roger Keagle award supported by Jim Van Ness, Lenny Schmidt for the Phyllis Boulas award, and Darryl Seward for the Gary Fawcett award (all from the class of 1965). Colon and Ryan Sinko presented the Christine Montgomery Sinko award supported by Andrew and Toni Montgomery to honor their mother, and Renee Rouse Pierce presented the Rouse / Wagner award honoring Gene Wagner and Bob Rouse.