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Susanmarie Oddo, a gifted education coordinator for the Steamboat Springs School District, is starting a scholarship program for a college-bound Yampa Valley High School student.
Oddo, who is planning to retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after teaching for 29 years (22 in SSSD), wants to leave a legacy in lieu of celebrations. The Grace for Education scholarship is Oddo’s personal endeavor, and she wants to pay it forward for her students and future students. Oddo herself struggled to pay for college and wants to help ensure socioeconomic status doesn’t prevent students from pursuing higher education.
In her retirement letter, she states:
“My own senior year of high school I worked diligently for an early January graduation. This allowed my full-time employment which allowed me to save for my college education. That spring, packing for my college move, I heard a knock on my bedroom door. My parents sat me down at the kitchen table to let me know that despite our plans, despite my savings and despite my acceptance letter, they simply could not afford for me to attend college. Both of my parents did not graduate high school, and it was hard for them to fully comprehend the expense of college. I said goodbye to my college-bound friends and returned to my full-time job.”
“No child should be delayed or denied their college bond journey because of their social economic status. But we are.”
Oddo will personally contribute to the scholarship, and friends and community members are encouraged to contribute as well. If more funds are raised than expected, scholarships can be awarded to multiple students.
“We are so grateful to Susanmarie for being so giving of her time, talent and heart,” said Boies. “She has the incredible ability to help students to better understand and love themselves for their unique traits! She is an incredible collaborator with our staff, especially with our project-based learning initiatives. Parents also appreciate all of her support and guidance for their unique, neurodivergent kids! We are going to miss her expertise and magical ways.”
If interested in contributing to this scholarship, a direct donation can be made by visiting this link.
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