500 Friends Help Oxford Schools Thrive

Just a little more than a year ago, more than 300 people said they were willing to show their support for the Oxford School District (OSD) by purchasing a specialty license plate. Today, at least 500 tags have been sold, and the number of people willing to show their pride on their ride just keeps growing.

“I am a former Oxford Charger,” said Chelsea Isom, who recently purchased plate No. 500. “I graduated in 2005, and I’ve been seeing them around town and said I wanted to get one.”

Isom is part of a much bigger trend now. In a little more than a year since the first plates arrived, the Oxford School District Foundation (OSDF) is averaging about 35 renewals or new plate purchases a month. If the community continues to support this effort at this rate, that will translate to $10,000 a year going back into OSD classrooms.

The Oxford School District Foundation (OSDF) manages the car tag campaign and receives $24 from the $31 fee for each tag. Board member Shannon Ferguson says by purchasing a tag, you’re doing more than showing school spirit.

“These tags mean that we are able to continue to enhance the education of children in Oxford in unique and innovative ways. As more tags are sold and renewed, our ability to support innovative teaching in the district is guaranteed for years and years to come,” Ferguson said.

Isom, whose daughter will start kindergarten at Bramlett Elementary next year, said she was even more excited about her tag when she found out about the fundraising component.

“I’m always happy to donate if I can; the schools need funding,” Isom said.

According to Ferguson, it’s easy for anyone in the community to participate.

“Simply visit the local tag office and let them know that you want to support the Oxford Chargers. They will order your tag and you will receive it by mail within 7 business days.”

Though Isom could have supported her college team, she chose to remember a place she said she still loves.

“I’ll always be a Charger.”

By Deb Wenger, associate professor of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media.

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