On May 4, the Hanover Manor hosted the Orange Education Foundation’s People of Excellence Jazz Brunch.
About 150 attendees celebrated the contributions of five honorees: Pia L. Frazier, attendance and truancy interventionist for the Orange Board of Education; Dr. Stella N. Korieocha, optometrist; Janicia M. Jones-Vance, preschool teacher at Scholars Academy; Ronald C. Lee, former OBE Superintendent; and Malcolm Q. Simms from the Orange Police Department. These individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to the students and staff of Orange Public Schools.

Valarie Adams and the Dimension Band provided entertainment for the event. Proceeds from this scholarship fundraiser benefit seniors from Orange High School and the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges.

An independent public organization, the Orange Education Foundation seeks to improve and increase enrichment opportunities for all Orange Public School District students by encouraging community involvement and donations. Over the past 15 years, the foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to graduates of the Orange public school system who are pursuing higher education.

In addition to scholarships, the foundation supports students involved in STEM programs and championship bridge, as well as grants for educators to advance arts, technology, and innovation. The OEF has also partnered with the Orange Board of Education to purchase and lease buildings to accommodate the growing student population in Orange. Academic locations supported by the OEF include the John Robert Lewis Early Childhood Center, the Orange Early Childhood Center, Scholars’ Academy, and the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges.

The preschool locations provide quality education for 281 preschoolers, while Scholars’ Academy houses Orange’s Gifted and Talented Program, serving 200 K-7 students with a curriculum that includes mathematics, engineering, technology, science, and the humanities. The STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges offers specialized programs to 170-200 high school students annually.

For more information, visit [www.orangeeducationfoundation.org](http://www.orangeeducationfoundation.org).