Since 2022, the Jody Olheiser Memorial Scholarship has been open to graduating seniors who have been actively involved in AVID for at least two years. This is a way for students to keep the memory of their teacher alive and help students with the overwhelming expenses of college.
This scholarship is near and dear to many hearts as it is to honor Jody Olheiser, a well-loved English and AVID teacher who passed away in 2021. With this scholarship, it is Bismarck High School’s wish to maintain her impact of spreading joy and caring for others in everything that she did in and out of school.
“After Mrs. O passed away, a group of teachers decided to do something to honor her memory that would stick around for years to come,” BHS English and AVID Teacher Allison Roemmich said. “Because of her convictions as a teacher, we thought the best way to do so would be a scholarship.”
With the help of the annual Jody Olheiser Memorial Slush Run, a 5K held during spring, money is raised to award one hard working AVID student per year. All proceeds from the event go towards the scholarship, with the amount varying depending on participation each year. On average, it is worth anywhere from $1000 to $5000. The third annual Jody Olheiser Memorial Slush Run will take place on April 6.
“The Jody O Scholarship is for AVID seniors who have been in AVID for at least two years,” Roemmich said. “Special consideration is given to students who have a more pressing financial need or an extenuating circumstance.”
To apply, students will go through a process of interviews and writing. There is an essay portion that requires students to answer questions about a motto Jody O often used, and what it means to them. They will need to include how the scholarship would affect them personally, and how they plan to pay for college. To access the application and find information, students will need to look on the Bismarck Public Schools Foundation website.
“There’s an essay portion where they ask a couple of questions about one of her mottoes, ‘live a great story’, and a statement of financial need,” Roemmich said.
After students have submitted their application, any personal identifying information is removed and their applications are carefully looked over. A rubric is used on the essays based on all the considerations for the scholarship.
“The second part of the process of choosing the recipient is an interview process for the finalists with administrators, the scholarship board, and Mrs. O’s family,” Roemmich said.
Not only is this a way to help senior AVID students with their future education, it is a way to show the effort Jody Olheiser put into caring for every student and their learning.
“Her commitment to education as a teacher who believed in the mission statement of AVID and Bismarck High School is right at the heart of going to college and doing something to further your education and get yourself where you want to be in life,” Roemmich said.
