Van Buren Schools Education Foundation Awards Grants

(From the Van Buren Schools Education Foundation)

The Van Buren Schools Education Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $3,200 in grant funding to support innovative educational initiatives across the district. Guided by its mission to provide the means to support the transformation of ideas into impactful experiences for the students of Van Buren School, the Foundation continues to invest in programs that enrich learning, foster innovation, and create lasting impact for students and educators.

This year marks the launch of the inaugural Cassie Ohlrich Excellence Grant. This grant was established in memory of Mrs. Cassie Ohlrich, a founding member of the Van Buren Schools Education Foundation, and Gifted Educator at Van Buren School. This honor will be awarded annually to the educator whose grant application best reflects the innovation, creativity, and passion that Cassie brought to her role as a teacher and community member. The 2026 Cassie Ohlrich Excellence Grant was awarded to Kathryn Billeaud for her Adaptive and Sensory Cabinet project. This project will create a centralized, school-wide resource of adaptive and sensory tools to support students with sensory processing challenges, attention difficulties, and diverse learning needs. By promoting self-regulation, engagement, and equitable access to supportive tools, the initiative will positively impact both students and teachers while fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment.

Additional grants were also awarded to support impactful programming across the district. Bethany Archer’s “Saving Lives” project will expand access to hands-on CPR and AED certification training for students. As a certified BLS instructor, Archer provides students with real-world lifesaving skills that not only fulfill Ohio’s graduation requirements but also equip them with credentials valuable for employment and leadership opportunities in organizations such as FFA and 4-H.

At Van Buren Middle School, Jenn Barrett’s “VBMS Amazing Shake” will enhance students’ professionalism, communication, and poise through structured lessons and a culminating school-wide competition. The experience engages community business professionals and provides students with authentic opportunities to practice real-world interpersonal skills in dynamic and challenging scenarios.

The Foundation extends its gratitude to the educators who submitted high-quality, forward-thinking proposals and to the donors whose generosity makes these opportunities possible. Through continued partnership and community support, the Van Buren School Education Foundation remains committed to turning innovative ideas into meaningful experiences that benefit all Van Buren students.