We’re thrilled to introduce two remarkable young leaders representing the student voice at OVCEF this year—Senior Samantha Wagner and Junior Morgan Melcher! These hard-working students join us at each monthly meeting, bringing a fresh perspective and valuable insights from their fellow classmates, and they play an essential role in the work we do at the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation. As Student Representatives, Samantha and Morgan bridge the gap between the students and OVCEF, keeping us in touch with the needs, interests, and feedback of their peers. Their participation in meetings allows them to provide invaluable input on the grants and programs we support, ensuring that we remain closely aligned with the needs of Oley Valley students. This partnership allows OVCEF to have a direct pulse on how our grants and programs impact students and, in turn, how we can continue to improve. Samantha and Morgan aren’t just attending meetings—they’re actively involved in showcasing the impact of OVCEF in our community. They help us gather photos and testimonials from fellow students and teachers, sharing the real-life effects of the education grants we’ve funded. By doing so, they help tell the story of OVCEF’s mission and its impact on education in the Oley Valley School District. We are so grateful for the hard work, dedication, and insight Samantha and Morgan bring to OVCEF. They’ve already proven to be invaluable members of our team, and we’re excited to continue working alongside them throughout this school year. Their involvement not only strengthens OVCEF’s connection to students but also inspires us to keep finding ways to support, enrich, and enhance the educational experience in our district. Thank you, Samantha and Morgan, for being the voices of your classmates and helping us make a difference every day. Here’s to a fantastic school year!

One of the Education Grants we funded this year is a Hydroponics Unit for the Elementary School. Students in Mrs. Roman’s classes are growing plants using this unit. They’ve been tracking the growth through photos and measurements, learning about how to care for the plants, and testing the water’s pH levels. This project allows students to take a hands-on approach to learn about plant growth, nutrition and sustainability. They've even formed hypotheses about how the lack of rain might be affecting the pH level in the tap water. By the end of the year, students will have an increased understanding of plant biology and hydroponics as an alternative, environmentally efficient way of growing plants.