Ojai Valley News • Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010

OEF breakfast raises $25Kom

Babayco recognized as educator of the year

Bill Buchanan

publisher@ojaivalleynews.com

It appears the Ojai Education Foundation fundraising breakfast last Thursday has produced more than $25,000 in total donations for the organization.  While complete figures are not in yet, “… it looks like we can say that total donations exceeded the ‘ask’ of 25K for the event, “said OEF President Thayne Whipple. Ojai Unified School District superintendent Hank Bangser added, “The OEF acts as a wonderful support organization for district wide initiatives, much like a Parents Association, PTA or PTO provides for each school. We would not have the extensive technology implementation for our new, exciting K-8 mathematics program this year without the foundation,” added Bangser. 

Since 1994, the OEF has raised almost $600,000 for various projects at local schools. The group’s goal for this year is $50,000, much of which will be used to purchase additional computers for 850 younger students in kindergarten through third grade. The group has already placed laptop computers in 26 classrooms, benefitting more than 1,100 students in grades four through eight. 

The breakfast, held at Nordhoff High School, also recognized Marty Babayco as its Education Hero of the Year. The award was accepted for him by Mira Monte principal Kathy White. She read a statement from Babayco, who said, “I would like to dedicate this award to my dear, deceased grandmother, Mrs. Esther Moffitt. As a young woman in 1922 she found a way to go to San Jose Teacher’s College (now San Jose State), get her teaching
 

 credential, and begin a life of service in public schools teaching  elementary students. When I was looking into the field of education as a young man, she said to me, ‘When you find something that makes you truly happy, follow your heart and you will make others happy too.’ Luckily, I followed my grandmother’s advice and found what made me truly happy — working with children, parents, and teachers. It was the best advice a young man ever got.” 

Babayco continued, “I feel honored that the Ojai Education Foundation has recognized my dedication and passion for education and recognized my enthusiasm and commitment for the education profession. I have witnessed many of these award ceremonies over the years and never thought I would stand before you and be considered for this honor. I am truly humbled and grateful for the recognition.” 

The breakfast also featured other teachers and students who talked about the equipment and programs that the foundation has provided for the schools.  As one teacher put it, “OEF fills in the blanks” for funding that makes things such as digital projectors, grants for arts programs and dance concerts that would otherwise be victims of budget cuts. 

Whipple, who acted as master of ceremonies, stressed the importance of a good school system as it sets an important standard as to how the community is perceived. “It (the school system) is how others view the community,” he said.  Both Whipple and Bangser thanked the Ojai Education Foundation, its board, and all those who helped sponsor the event. 

After the event, Whipple added, “It was an excellent opportunity for us to be able to give our supporters a view of the amazing impact they have made in the lives of students during the past year, and a vision of what is coming. I was honored to be able to meet and talk with so many generous members of the Ojai community who value education and the future generation.”