Back to School Supplies for Teachers

Through your generous contributions to the Olympic High School Foundation, we have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of our dedicated teachers and facilitators. Each year, your support enables us to provide essential classroom stipends to every Olympic educator, helping them acquire vital school supplies and materials at the beginning of the school year.

One of the many remarkable educators who benefit from the annual classroom stipend is Mrs. Ugueto. She teaches Spanish to both native and non-native speakers, using her stipend to purchase art supplies for historical and traditional enrichment activities. From creating papel picado (paper cut-outs) to crafting brazealetes (friendship bracelets) and even obtaining supplies for the pan de muerto (bread of the dead) used in Spanish Club activities, Mrs. Ugueto emphasizes the profound impact these stipends have on enriching the cultural context of the Spanish language.

"The annual classroom stipend from the OHS Foundation is instrumental in supporting efforts to bring out the rich cultural context of the Spanish language," Mrs. Ugueto affirms.

Ms. Sain, a dedicated Career Development Counselor (CDC), underscores the significance of the Foundation’s annual classroom stipends. She explains that, compared to many schools in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district, Olympic High School faces unique challenges. The stipends help bridge the gap by aiding our teachers and, indirectly, our students. Many teachers struggle to afford classroom anchor charts, global charts, or even basic classroom guidelines that create an inviting and engaging learning environment. Ms. Sain expresses her heartfelt appreciation for the vital role these stipends play in enhancing the educational experience.

Mr. Sanchez, a devoted teaching assistant in the Exceptional Children (EC) extension, eagerly awaits the stipends each year. He uses them to purchase supplies for "TroJoe," a student-run coffee cart and business venture within the EC program. TroJoe is staffed and operated by students facing intellectual difficulties related to Autism, Down Syndrome, and visual impairment. This unique curriculum is designed to foster social skills, encourage independent living, and provide vocational training, all of which are vital for these students' success after graduation.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, the Olympic High School Foundation annual classroom stipends empower our teachers to find innovative ways to bring their subjects to life. By engaging students in meaningful and lasting ways, these educators help shape the future of our students and our community.

Charlie's Journey from CTE to Engineering Excellence

Charlie Warnke, a recent graduate of Olympic High School, is now pursuing his dream of studying Engineering, focusing on Civil Engineering, at NC State University. His journey from high school to college is not just about personal ambition; it's a testament to the impact of the Olympic High School Foundation's support on students like Charlie.

While at Olympic High School, Charlie discovered the coursework in Career & Technical Education (CTE), taught by Mr. Wykoff, to be not only interesting but also instrumental in advancing his education and equipping him with a distinctive skill set.

His interest in engineering may have been sparked by popsicle sticks in a Building Bridges Club his dad started at his elementary school. However the skills he further refined in the engineering and advanced manufacturing courses at Olympic set him on a path for professional success. In the CTE program, Charlie became very proficient in using the CNC routing and milling machines, 3D printer, and manual routing and milling techniques. Many of the advanced manufacturing machines were purchased with a grant from the Olympic High School Foundation.

As a result of his coursework, Charlie had two summer internships at SEAS & Cardinal Fabrication, where he produced high-quality ornamental metal designs used in architectural applications. This past spring, Charlie attended NC State University College of Engineering open house where he met Professor Amos Tucker in the engineering lab. Professor Tucker was immediately impressed by Charlie’s knowledge and expertise with the machines in the lab and offered him a teaching assistant job when he returned to begin his freshman year.

“It was a pretty cool and proud moment for me,” said Charlie, as he reflected on that experience.

As Mr. Wykoff, one of Charlie's teachers at Olympic High School, states, "The foundation's support enriches our students' like Charlie’s educational experience and equips them with valuable skills. It's the kind of support that shapes futures."

Charlie Warnke's success story exemplifies the transformative power of CTE programs and dedicated educators. Through the support of the Olympic High School Foundation, students like Charlie are empowered to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams.