OFA Class of 1967 gives back

OFA Class of 1967 gives backSally Espe Wovkulich presents Sister Mary O'Brien of the Tioga Rural Ministry with a check for $50. Provided photo.

Last year, Owego Free Academy’s (OFA’s) basketball team received a gift of $75 from the OFA Class of 1967. This money helped them travel to Florida for a tournament.

This initial gift got the ball rolling. Emails were sent to members of the Class of 1967 asking for monetary donations. An astounding $18,000 was donated within five weeks.

OFA Class of 1967 gives back
The first recipient of the OFA Class of 1967 “Class Cup”, Grace Morton, a 2018 graduate of OFA, is pictured with OFA Class of 1967 members Daniel Sloat, Royden Fox, and John Holton. Grace received the Class Cup with her named engraved on the recipient plaque and a check for $1,000. Provided photo.

Because of the generous donations from class members, Grace Morton, a recent OFA graduate, received a scholarship award of $1,000. This scholarship is the first awarded by the Class, and accompanied a “Class Cup” with an engraved name.

According to Class of 1967 member Roydon Fox, applications are looked through, citing community service and citizenship. 

OFA Class of 1967 gives back
David Bensley, representing Owego’s VFW and an OFA Class of 1967 member, accepts a check from Sally Espe Wovkulich and Daniel Sloat, Class of 1967. The check benefitted the recent bowling party for children at Owego Bowl. Provided photo.

“A guidance counselor often helps with this process,” said Fox.

Another project that the Class of 1967 contributes to is the Angel Tree of Eastern Tioga. This effort ensures that children that have one or both parents incarcerated get a hat, coat and gloves. 

And the giving continues!

OFA Class of 1967 gives back
Pictured, is Sally Espe Wovkulich and Daniel Sloat, with Boys and Girls Club representative Dennis Curatolo and David Bensley, representing the VFW. The Class of 1967 presented a check to the club for operating costs. Provided photo.

A headstone was recently purchased for a classmate from 1967 that didn’t have one, $100 was donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Owego, and another $50 to Tioga County Rural Ministry.

Fox, added, “We have 50 men and women from the class who are veterans.”  

Because of this, $100 was also donated to help out with the annual children’s bowling party sponsored by the VFW, and held at Owego Bowl.

This Class also purchased a $100 brick for the fireman’s fountain, which led to other classes following suit.

Be the first to comment on "OFA Class of 1967 gives back"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*