Students Provide Feedback of Visit to 9/11 Museum & Memorial
On December 11, 2024, Oley Valley's 7th grade students had the incredible opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. This meaningful experience was made possible through an OVCEF Education Grant, allowing students to explore one of the most significant events in recent history and reflect on its impact.
After the visit, the students expressed their gratitude in heartfelt thank-you letters to the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation. Their reflections highlighted just how insightful and thought-provoking the trip was to them.
Here's what some of the students had to say:
"Thank you for the opportunity to visit NYC and tour the 9/11 Museum...While visiting the 9/11 Museum, I saw 5% of the North Tower's antenna on display. I learned about the man who worked on the antenna and kept working until the tower fell so that communication could continue. The museum was quiet so it felt like a respectful place to remember all those who lost their lives...I had been to NYC before but many of my classmates hadn't." ~ Brayden T.
"Thank you for providing my grade with the wonderful opportunity to visit the beautiful city of New York...The museum was very interesting and I learned a lot...It was surprising to me how many people decided to help others first before helping themselves...I really appreciate that you chose to fund this trip for us." ~ Riley F.
"I believe this trip is very valuable because it gives an opportunity to show young people and older people the history of 9/11. It is an amazing opportunity. It gives people an emotional connection and it shows you how big this event was. It also shows you how the United States of America persevered through this tough time. It shows how strong of a country we truly are and we will stay that way no matter what happens in the future." ~ Jesiah B.
"Everything was very interesting, but probably the most appealing was the elevator motor. It was very interesting to learn about it and the story behind it, where there was a guy who was trapped with people in the elevator in the 9/11 attacks, he used his tools and skilled resourcefulness to save him and the other people 5 min before the building came down." ~ Paul P.
"Being at the 9/11 museum really gave me a different perspective of what happened on that day. Seeing everything also made me a little emotional thinking about all the lives that were lost whether they were working in the towers, 911 officers, firemen, or just watching the whole thing happen was really sad...I think this trip was valuable because it really helps you think differently about what happened that day." ~ Madison A.
OVCEF is proud to support opportunities like this, helping to bring history to life for students and fostering deeper learning outside the classroom. Experiences like these not only educate but also inspire students to think critically about the world around them.
We're grateful to our community for supporting OVCEF's mission to enhance education through grants like this, and we're thrilled to see the impact it has on our students.
More OVCEF Blog Posts to catch up on
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is proud to celebrate its sixth year of supporting the Oley Valley Community Library’s Summer Learning Program. Through our ongoing financial support, we help make it possible for the Library to offer a wide range of engaging educational activities that keep students learning, exploring, and growing all summer long. We are honored to partner with the Library in this important effort and are excited to see another summer filled with opportunity and enrichment for our community’s youth. Check out this summer's weekly lineup: June 6: Berks Conservation District Join Jennifer Brooks with the Berks Conservation District to discover the amazing lives of honeybees, powerful pollinators of native flowers and local crops. Dance the waggle dance, learn how they make honey, and investigate their powers of pollination. A great introduction to foster curiosity with our future beekeepers. Book of the Week: "I am Bee" June 13: Tale Wise Join Science Heroes on our mission to turn science into an adventure. Discover how fun and colorful science can be with chemical reactions, air pressure, physical explosions, and more. Do not miss this interactive learning adventure. Book of the Week: "The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science" June 20: The Bugman Nature is all about colors. Bugs and insects have almost unlimited colors. We will focus on how bugs and insects use color to survive. You will get a chance o pet and hold live bugs! Book of the Week: "Bugs A to Z" June 27: Ridiculous Nicholas Nicholas is returning to our library for Summer Learning! This is a family-friendly comedy and variety show. He has been featured on the Jimmy Fallon Show.. Book of the Week: "The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids" - Please note there will be no Summer Learning Program on July 4 July 11: KooKoo the Cartoon Magician KooKoo's show focuses on interaction with the children in the audience just as much as it is about performing magic! Come to the library to see a cartoon magic show. Book of the Week: "Magic Tricks for Kids" July 18: Circus Skills You will have firsthand experience in learning how to perform certain juggling skills. You will see a demonstration of these skills and will have lots of opportunities to try these skills yourself. Bring on the fun! Book of the Week: "So You Want to Learn: Juggling" July 25: Yocum Institute The Yocum Institute will feature an original play written for young audiences by a student from Albright College. The play takes a student struggling to find inspiration to start an art project. You will go on a fantastic journey, turning paintings into portals to a magical and far off land. Book of the Week: "On Stage" August 1: Party Animal Express This is an entertaining animal program that introduces you to animals through educational facts and stories. You will learn about their natural lives and how they interact with people. You will have the opportunity to pet some of the animals. Book of the Week: "Animal Alphabet" The Summer Learning Program is held in Weidner Hall in Friedens UCC Church, above the library, and it begins promptly at 10:30am. We appreciate the church allowing us to use their space so that more families can enjoy the Summer Learning Program! Please keep in mind that the Summer Learning Programs are designed for school-age children, and presentations may not be of interest to younger children. The library appreciates your help in keeping your children seated and quiet during the programs. Oley Valley Community Library 339 Main Street, Oley 484-491-1278 www.oleyvalleylibrary.com
At the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF), we believe that no student should have to put their education or career goals on hold due to financial hardship. That’s why we’re proud to support our Tools of the Trade Program —an initiative that helps Oley Valley High School students attending the Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC) cover the cost of essential items such as books, uniforms, and tools. For students pursuing hands-on, career-oriented programs at BCTC, the cost of materials and supplies can add up quickly. These items are critical to their success, and we are committed to ensuring that every Oley Valley student has the opportunity to thrive—regardless of their financial situation. This year, OVCEF was honored to assist four Oley Valley students through Tools of the Trade grants. These students are working hard in diverse and in-demand programs, including: Electrical Occupations Health Occupations Video and Media Content Production Heavy Equipment Technology Their dedication and drive are inspiring, and we are proud to be a small part of their journey. If you are a student or a parent/guardian of a student attending BCTC who may need financial support for program-related expenses, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The first step is to contact your guidance counselor , who can work with OVCEF to access available funds and get you the assistance you need. Let's work together to remove financial barriers and open doors to bright futures for our students! Because when our students succeed, our community thrives.
At OVCEF, we're committed to supporting innovative learning opportunities for students that prepare them for future success. One of our recent Education Grants brought cutting-edge technology to Oley Valley High School's Agriculture Program - the Vet Tech Anatomage Table. This interactive 3D table is a game-changer for students interested in veterinary science. It allows them to explore detailed, life-sized images of animal anatomy, including organs, body systems, and the effects of diseases and injuries. With a touch screen interface, students can rotate, zoom, and dissect virtual animal models, gaining a deeper understanding of how the body works - something traditional textbooks just can't provide. One of the most exciting features of this technology is its diagnostic capabilities. The table presents real-world medical cases, showing the effects of injuries or illnesses on an animal's body. Students can analyze symptoms, work through possible causes, and develop critical thinking skills as they move from effect to diagnosis - just like they would in a real veterinary setting. Plus, with a built-in quiz feature, students can test their knowldge in real-time, reinforcing what they've learned and preparing them for future studies in veterinary medicine, animal science, and related fields. This is just one example of how OVCEF is making a difference in students' lives. By funding state-of-the-art educational resources, we're ensuring that Oley Valley students have opportunities to explore their passions, gain hands-on experience, and build the skills they need for a successful future. We're proud to support the next generation of veterinarians, animal care professionals, and science enthusiasts through initiatives like this. Stay tuned for more updates on how our grants are shaping the future of education in our community!