As the end of the semester approaches, a senior student’s final days of high school are just around the corner. Graduation is possibly one of the most nerve-wracking, exciting and important times in a student’s life, and Oviedo High School’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) creates support for their students.

Oviedo’s PTSA has been around for quite some time, spanning multiple decades, and for the past few years, have done some impactful things — one example being fundraisers that help students and families pay for events and activities that would be disappointing to miss for seniors during their last year of high school.

Right now, one of the largest and most impactful fundraisers happening for seniors are the senior yard signs that are currently available now on ohslions.givebacks.com, the school store website run by the PTSA. 

These signs range from $35 to $45, and will be ready to pick up at Honor Grad Night. Signs feature three customizable designs: one that just has the student’s graduation year and name, and two that have spots to put sports and other extracurriculars on it. All the funds are put to a good cause, helping seniors pay for once-in-a-lifetime events. 

“The senior yard sign fundraiser allows families to purchase Oviedo High School branded graduation yard signs to celebrate their graduating senior[s],” said PTSA president April Agnew. “Families receive a personalized keepsake, and all proceeds are managed by the PTSA and reinvested into programs that benefit the entire senior class.” 

This means that all senior events are free for every graduating senior. All seniors are able to be celebrated at special events (such as the senior picnic, the senior breakfast, the senior water day and the senior lunch), that without this fundraiser, would be blocked by monetary walls. Every senior receives a graduation shirt with their name printed on the back as well.

“In addition, proceeds from yard sign sales help support PTSA senior scholarships, providing direct financial assistance to students… Purchasing a yard sign supports not just one student, but the success of the entire graduating class.” Agnew said.

While PTSA sets up this support, seniors are preparing for their graduation. 

“I think I’m looking forward to the honor grad the most because I’ve put in a lot of work in high school, maintaining good grades and it will feel nice knowing that it’s paying off,” senior Thomas Hudson said.

One of the other fundraisers that have been active throughout the entire year is the lunchtime cupcake fundraiser. Several times a semester, PTSA sets up a table offering orange and black cupcakes, showing Oviedo’s pride through their spirited school colors. Students can purchase these cupcakes for a dollar. 

These sweet treats were baked by Oviedo’s Culinary classes, supporting their course in the process. Profits from the cupcakes return to the Culinary classes, paying for vital components of the classes.

“The [money made] provides funding for [our] testing and the ability to buy more ingredients,” said Benjamin Chase, a sophomore in Culinary 2. Along with this, PTSA also sets up fun activities, such as the Duck and Lion Hunt, that the entire school can partake in.

“The PTSA hides ducks around campus that you can find and turn them in for a price, but I’ve never found one,” Hudson said.

These fundraisers are beneficial to all students, not just the graduating class. The PTSA is a group that provides opportunities for Oviedo students while also devoting their time as volunteers to improve all students’ high school experiences.