Over 130 people attended the Denim and Diamonds Gala March 21, the first ever gala benefiting the Onalaska Education Foundation, and nearly $25,000 was raised through the event.
In addition to cocktails, dinner and a live auction, a highlight of the evening was hearing from the first two recipients of the innovative teaching grants funded through the work of the foundation – Joann Wheeler, the OISD robotics sponsor, and Onalaska Elementary School Assistant Principal Kyndell Bonilla, who launched a PBIS Store for the elementary campus.
“Seeing this room filled with friends, families, sponsors and community leaders is nothing short of inspiring. What started as an idea has come to life because of each and every one of you,” Foundation President Zachary Davies said.
“You are investing in our teachers, our classroom, and most importantly, our students. You are helping to create opportunities that will shape futures right here in our community,” Davies said, as he recognized the various sponsors of the event.
“By showing up, you are making a statement that education is a priority in Onalaska, and that our children’s success is worth celebrating and supporting,” Davies said.
OISD Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Fraga agreed.
“Almost four year ago my family and I came to Onalaska when I became principal of Onalaska Junior-Senior High School. This has really become home and has been great for my kids and a big part of that is the support from the community,” Fraga said.
“Thank you for being here and for investing in our kids. We have lots of plans for the district and to fund some innovative things for the district. I’m thankful for the board, their time and dedication,” Fraga said.
Wheeler received an innovative teaching grant for the robotics program. In addition to being OISD’s robotics sponsor, Wheeler also teaches physics, engineering and math.
The first state championship in OISD history was earned by the robotics team which has now grown to over 80 students participating, including fourth-graders, the youngest team ever to compete, Wheeler said. The grant funds she received were used to purchase risers to raise the robotics team’s field up to the same height as competition level.
Bonilla received an innovative teaching grant for the OES PBIS Store.
“We moved here in August. Thank you for welcoming us into your world and especially embracing my daughter in the second grade. The men and women I work with are some of the best in the state and they give it their all,” Bonilla said of her colleagues.
Explaining the purpose of a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) store, Bonilla said it is an incentive center in schools where students spend earned points or virtual currency on prizes, privileges or items to reinforce positive behavior. Its purpose is to improve social, emotional and academic outcomes for all students while reducing disciplinary incidents and exclusionary, punitive consequences.
The PBIS system works through the ClassDojo platform where students may earn and track PBIS currency through ClassDojo. All staff may award PBIS points in ClassDojo, including classroom teachers, specials, special education staff, interventionists, and office and support staff. Students will use their earned points to shop at the PBIS store.
The OEF was formed in June 2025 and its focus is to enhance community support and expand resources that enrich teaching, inspire learning and maximize opportunities for all students in OISD. Its sole purpose is to benefit the district by providing funds for educational programs and activities that are not funded by the normal operating budget. These funds will be used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, to recognize and encourage staff excellence and to expand community involvement from individuals, businesses and civic organizations.
A top priority is funding innovative teaching grants that provide resources directly to the classroom for teachers to implement exciting new educational programs.
The foundation is a charitable organization under the IRS Section 501(c)3 and contributions to the organization are tax-deductible.
According to Davies, the idea for the foundation grew from a need for supplemental funds and awareness of a growing number of education foundations serving East Texas school districts. “We brought in Foundation Innovation LLC, a firm which specializes in developing foundations, to ensure that we meet our first year goals and objectives.”
OEF board members include: Angela Kennedy, Angela Stutts, Steve Beard, Susan Ard, Pamela Jackson, Karina Roberts, Betty Bruffy, Courtney Vann, Crystal Laramore and Pam DeBlasio.
