The Oneida Education Foundation was organized in 1988 to provide financial support for the students, teachers, and schools of Oneida School District #351. With Mike Hess as the first president, the OEF quickly became a source of grants for teachers and, just a few years later, for scholarships for graduates of Malad High School.

Generous donors make the work of the OEF possible. Many individuals, families, businesses, and organizations have taken the opportunity to donate through the OEF’s annual Mail-a-thon fund raiser although donations are appreciated at any time of the year. Beginning with one endowment from the William H. and Cecelia Dredge Rutter family in 1988, the OEF now has 62 endowed funds that are invested through the Edward Jones financial investment company.

The OEF established the Heritage Club in 1993 to honor donors. A plaque in the main hallway of Malad High School lists the names of all inductees to the OEF Heritage Club.

With an initial donation of $1000 (at one time or accumulative over time), a donor is inducted to the Heritage Club at the “M” Club level. Additional donations result in donors advancing to other levels: Dragon ($2000), Orange and Black ($5000), Bronze ($10,000), Silver ($25,000), Gold ($50,000), and Diamond ($100,000). Nobody has reached the Diamond level – yet.

In 2025 the following were inducted to the Heritage Club at the “M” Club level:  Michael and Sheila Ard, Nancy Asay, Chris Hawkes, Doug John, and David and Stelle Byrd Sandquist.  Jon Abrams was inducted at the Dragon Level.

Those advancing to the Dragon level were the following: Terry and Shannon Davis, Kelly and Connie Kent, Nacona Smith, Robert Owen Ward, and Tracy Ward. Those advancing to the Orange and Black level were Greg and Vickie Lamb and Larry Nalder. Marsha and Terry Jones advanced to the Bronze level.

Each new inductee and each one advancing a level received a certificate, a dragon decal, an OEF pen, and a copy of the 2024-2025 Annual Report.

The recent Mail-a-thon is the primary fundraiser for the OEF. Anyone who would like to support Oneida County schools, students, and teachers may send their donation to the OEF mailbox at Malad Elementary School (250 West 400 North) or use the QR Code on the OEF website (www.oneidaeducationfoundation.org). All Annual Reports are also on the website.

Donors may be assured that 100% of their donation will be spent as they indicate and that all donations may be used as a tax deduction, including the special Idaho education tax deduction.  If you have questions, please contact Jean Thomas, Chair of the OEF, at [email protected] or any Board member.