On Wednesday, December 18, members of the Marietta High School Class of 1994 honored classmate Jeremy Rambo by making a $1,000 donation to the schools’ food pantry.
Rambo, a proud MHS graduate, passed away earlier this year. In the minds of his classmates, his passing came far too early.
A recent discussion between Marietta High School English teacher Pam Higle and sister-in-law/Class of ‘94 president Holly Higle Buxton about the school pantry’s need for supplies provided the necessary impetus for a fitting honor for Rambo.
“Jeremy was the sweetest soul, a one-of-a-kind person,” said Buxton, “and we wanted to find a one-of-a-kind way to remember him.”
With the help of her classmates, Buxton organized a fundraiser that soon raised $1,000, money they wanted the pantry to have before Christmas break.
On Wednesday morning, Lisa Hayes and Maria Rincon, two members of the class who are still living locally, presented the check to Jeremy’s grandfather, Eugene Rambo, who in turn presented it to Jenna Phipps, the Pantry Coordinator.
“We couldn’t be more grateful, and this donation couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Phipps. “We’re getting ready to serve 25 students with three meals a day and snacks for the entirety of our 17-day break. This donation will ensure that we have the supplies to be able to do that.”
And if that isn’t enough to make you feel good, the story gets better.
Another donor, one who chooses to remain anonymous, matched the Class of ‘94’s donation, dollar for dollar, further meeting the needs of Marietta students.
“I’m amazed at how this community comes together to support our kids,” said Phipps, “and it speaks well of this school that its graduates are willing to support us and honor their classmate this way even 25 years after they’ve graduated.”
If you are an MHS grad, or even if you’re not, and you’d like to help support the food pantry, you can make a monetary donation by mailing your check to Marietta High School Food Pantry in care of Jenna Phipps at 800 South 4th Street, Marietta, Oklahoma 73448. The pantry also gladly accepts gifts of nonperishable foods dropped off at the high school during regular school hours. For more information about the pantry, contact Phipps at jphipps@mariettaisd.org.
“Jeremy was everybody’s favorite,” said Buxton, “and his name sparked a lot of generosity.”
No doubt Jeremy Rambo would be pleased that a donation made in his memory will be used to enrich the lives of students in the school that he loved. What a fitting tribute.