News Release February 13, 2008

News Release:

Contact: Terry Hughes
For Immediate Release 810-236-2918

Okemos Education Foundation Thanks Partners in Education

OKEMOS, MI - February 13, 2008 - Over 230 individuals, families, and businesses across the community voiced their support for children and education with approximately $53,000 in contributions to the Okemos Education Foundation's Partners in Education 2007-2008 campaign. The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) pays tribute to these partners for their generous support of OEF and its mission to recognize excellence and promote innovation in Okemos Public Schools. "The OEF truly enriches learning for students and fosters creativity in classrooms through the grant process. Additionally the OEF plays an important role in recognizing outstanding educators and citizens. Such initiatives help distinguish Okemos as a high performing district, and we are thankful for the generous citizens who support them," notes Dr. Cheryl Kreger, Okemos Public Schools Superintendent.

Special recognition goes to OEF's leading contributors: Delta Dental of Michigan, Spartan Chassis, Inc., Summit Community Bank, Clark and Kathleen Manning, and Richard and Kathy Schalter. The generous support of these leaders is an excellent example of the commitment our community has towards the Okemos Public Schools.

"We are pleased to support the Okemos Education Foundation's outstanding work promoting excellence in Okemos Public Schools," said Nancy E. Hostetler, Senior Vice President, Delta Dental of Michigan. "The Foundation's support stands as an excellent example of how a community can marshal its resources to help create valuable education experiences for our children that might not otherwise be available."

The Okemos Education Foundation is a non-profit volunteer organization that has partnered with the school district since 1984. The OEF provides grants for programs and activities designed to promote academic excellence that can not be funded through the district's normal budget. The OEF also hosts the annual Commitment to Excellence Awards banquet honoring outstanding teachers and staff of Okemos Public Schools. During the 2006 - 2007 school year, the OEF awarded $24,000 in grants and awards to teachers and programs throughout the district.

The OEF hopes to increase the amount of grants this year in order to help close funding gaps that would otherwise deny children valuable learning opportunities. For information on how to support the OEF and a full list of 2007 - 2008 Partners in Education visit www.oefsite.org.