Teachers who received grants from the foundation gather for a group picture after the ceremony.

At an awards ceremony on May 8 at the OHS Media Center, Otsego Public Schools Foundation Chairman Larry Collier and OPSF Vice-Chair Roy Secor recognized this year's recipients.

The Foundation itself awards twelve scholarships; eight are for seniors at Otsego High School and four of them are awarded to students from West Campus High School and the Adult Education Program. In addition, the Foundation handles four other scholarships formed by Otsego alumni. The money to support all of these awards comes directly from donations from community members, parents and Otsego staff. The Otsego Public Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization and began in 1986. Its mission is to direct charitable contributions to benefit the students enrolled in the Otsego Public Schools district.

Teacher grants fund equipment or materials that will enhance the learning taking place in the classroom. With 25 grants this year, totaling more than $15,000, there is a wide variety of purchases that are being made. From Physical Education equipment to SMARTboard software, to art, Spanish, reading and math materials, this year’s grant recipients cover all curriculum areas.

The following students received $1,000 scholarships from the Foundation: Ben Wieber, Danielle Molenaar, Kara Kanwischer, Nicole Back, Samantha Clark, Logan Brumley, Lydia Moyer and Zach Williams. Another $2,000 in reimbursable scholarships will be shared among four alternative or adult education recipients: Megan Ross, Jasmine Carter, April Shafier and Dustin Louden.

Emma Bomeli and Rachel White received an alumni-sponsored scholarship for $1,000 per year for four years; Paul McPherson received the Victors Scholarship which is given to a student planning to attend the University of Michigan and is worth $1,000. The $1,000 Cushman/Cook Scholarship was awarded to Eric Cornell.

For more details on the Foundation, head to their website: www.opsfoundation.org.