Education Grant In Action: ELISA Experiment
Thanks to an Education Grant, students in Mrs. Scholl's Medical Interventions class had an exciting opportunity to dive into a real-world scientific experiment—the ELISA test! This lab, part of the *Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science Pathway* curriculum, provided students with a hands-on experience using tools like microplates and pipettes to perform an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The ELISA test is an essential technique in the medical field, used to detect diseases by identifying specific antibodies or antigens in patient samples. This method helps diagnose conditions such as meningitis, HIV, Lyme disease, and more.
During the experiment, the students carefully followed each step, observing a visible color change in the microplates, which signaled a positive result for the condition being tested. It was truly inspiring to see these students engage in this practical learning experience, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to an experiment that mirrors real-life scenarios in the medical field. These types of labs not only build critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also introduce students to possible career paths in healthcare and biomedical science.
We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated teachers who constantly seek opportunities to prepare students for life beyond high school. Their efforts, combined with the support of individuals and businesses that contribute to the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF), make experiences like this possible.
Thank you to everyone who helps OVCEF fulfill its mission of enhancing educational opportunities for students, residents, employees, and alumni of the Oley Valley School District. Together, we are creating a bright future for the next generation!
More OVCEF Blog Posts to catch up on
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Oley Valley Distinguished Alumni Awards — an annual recognition celebrating outstanding Oley Valley graduates who have made significant contributions in their professions and communities while exemplifying the values of leadership, service, and lifelong learning. Each year, OVCEF and the Oley Valley School District come together to honor alumni who continue to make our community proud through their accomplishments and character. These individuals remind us that the Oley Valley spirit extends far beyond graduation — it lives on through those who inspire others, give back, and make a difference in the world around them. This year’s honorees represent the very best of what it means to be part of the Oley Valley family. Jessica (Valdivieso) Arrowsmith, Class of 1995 Heather Christie, Class of 1988 Richard Dunkelberger, Class of 1981 Lynn Eckert, Class of 1975 Sophia Gladieux, Class of 2020 Charles Miller, Class of 1950 We celebrated these remarkable alumni during the Oley Valley Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony , held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Oley Valley High School , where family, friends, students, faculty and school board members gathered to recognize their achievements and hear their inspiring stories. 🎥 Watch the Ceremony: If you weren’t able to attend — or would like to relive the special evening — you can view the full awards presentation on the Oley Valley School District's YouTube Channel here: 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony OVCEF extends heartfelt congratulations to each of this year’s honorees. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the strong foundation built here in the Oley Valley — where dedication, compassion, and community spirit pave the way for a lifetime of success and service. To learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Awards or to nominate a deserving graduate for next year’s recognition, visit https://www.oleyvalleycef.com/alumni-awards Together, we celebrate our past, inspire our future, and continue building a tradition of excellence in the Oley Valley.
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Oley Valley Community Library as the official sponsor of Preschool Storytime, held every Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the library. Led by Ms. Parry, Preschool Storytime has become a beloved program for families with young children. Each month features a special theme, with new stories shared each week to spark imagination and encourage a love of reading. In addition to listening to the story, children enjoy a hands-on craft that ties directly into the week’s book. Crafts may be completed at the library or taken home to extend the fun and learning beyond storytime. Through this partnership, OVCEF is proud to support early literacy and creative learning opportunities for the youngest members of our community. By connecting children and families with engaging educational experiences, we continue our mission of enriching the lives of Oley Valley students and supporting lifelong learning. We encourage families to join in the fun—stop by the Oley Valley Community Library on Fridays and be part of the magic of stories, crafts, and community! Here is the lineup for September:
As the 2025-2026 school year begins, the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is proud to announce that we have awarded more than $135,000 in Education Grants to our district for this school year. These grants are made possible through the generosity of our community and the creativity of our dedicated teachers and staff. Investing in Innovation Education Grants go beyond the regular curriculum to bring unique and hands-on learning opportunities into our classrooms. Each project is designed to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and give students the chance to explore new ideas and skills. From literacy programs that bring families together to science and technology initiatives that allow students to experiment and discover, these grants provide enriching experiences that last well beyond the classroom. Supporting All Levels of Learning OVCEF is committed to supporting students across all grade levels. This year's grants span elementary, middle, and high school projects, ensuring that every student in the Oley Valley has the opportunity to benefit. These initiatives not only enhance day-to-day learning but also help prepare our students for future success - building confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration along the way. Here are the projects being funded this year: Vex Vision Sensors - High School TV Studio Expansion - Middle School Moblie Ag Lab - Elementary School BioMedical Science Labs - High School Auditorium Expansion - Middle School Teachers in the Parks - Elementary School Classroom STEM Kits - Middle School CMOS Systems for Digital Electronics - High School Aquaponics - Elementary School Junior Envirothon - Middle School PLC and Ladder Logic - High School OVMS FFA Club - Middle School School Murals - High School 9/11 Museum & Memorial Trip - Middle School One School, One Book - Elementary School Spanish Dance Lessons - High School Book Vending Machine - Elementary School Cafeteria Sound System Improvement Project - Middle School Novel Study Books - Elementary School Holocaust Museum Trip - High School Book Clubs & Beyond - Middle School Infuse Our Families with Science - Elementary School Pottery Wheel - High School Weight Room Enhancements - Middle School Powered by Community None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our community. Every fundraiser, every donation, and every partnership fuels the mission of OVCEF to enhance opportunities for Oley Valley students. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in education. As we enter this new school year, we look forward to seeing these projects come to life and watching our students grow, create, and achieve. Join us in Making a Difference The work of OVCEF is only possible because of the generosity of our community. Every donation, big or small, directly supports programs and projects that create new opportunities for Oley Valley students. Together, we can continue to spark curiosity, fuel creativity, and open doors to brighter futures. If you'd like to help us expand learning opportunities, please consider making a donation to support our mission HERE .