An area already serving as the most-used entrance to Oakwood Junior High and Oakwood High School, an outdoor educational space and a gathering spot for community members, the Oakwood Alumni Plaza is now officially a part of the Oakwood Schools facilities.

Representatives of the school district, The Oakwood Schools Foundation, the Oakwood Alumni Association, various graduating classes of OHS and community members gathered Sept. 26 to dedicate the Plaza.

The Plaza, located near the south entrance of OJH on East Schantz Ave., was funded entirely by private donations.  The Oakwood Schools Foundation partnered with the Oakwood Alumni Association to make possible the concept that began in 2017.  That year, a member of the OHS Class of 1967 wanted to learn about the District’s needs and how a donation could make a difference.  In reviewing those needs, it was the proposal for an "Alumni Plaza" to be installed in one of the most highly traveled areas on the OHS/OJH campus that intrigued the alum, who represented a private foundation.  The private foundation established a fund, providing $50,000 as a matching gift challenge, and with donations and gifts from others the project was funded.