As a fifth grader at ODA Sandusky, Finnley Jaunzemis is discovering her strengths and passions in exciting new ways. A two-year participant in ODA’s afterschool programming, Finnley attends two days a week and makes the most of every opportunity — from cooking and nail art to jewelry making and theatre.
“When she first did the cooking class, she loved it,” shared her mom, Jill Jaunzemis. Finnley remembers making pizza and stromboli — and the best part?
“We got to take them home or eat them here,” Finnley said. The experience even inspired her to help out in the kitchen at home, chopping vegetables alongside her mom and coming up with new recipes to try together — like frozen hot chocolate.
But it was the theatre program that lit a spark in Finnley. “I really like the theatre because I got to make new friends, and I really like performing,” she shared. She’s also passionate about singing and loves the chance to express herself creatively at ODA.
ODA’s impact extends beyond enrichment. “This year alone, she went from achievement roll to merit roll to honor roll,” said Jill. “It’s very, very, very rare that she brings homework home. Having the chance to do it here — and getting the help if she needs it — it’s available to her, and she’s able to ask for help when she needs it.”
When asked what she’d tell a friend about ODA, Finnley didn’t hesitate:
“It’s super fun and we could spend more time together. There’s also many things to choose from.”
She describes ODA in two words: “Very fun.”
Jill sums it up best: “We hope ODA continues here in Sandusky. It’s a really good opportunity, and I feel like more and more students sign up for it every year. We get some new kids every time. And like Finnley said, she gets to meet kids from all the grades.”
Finnley’s journey is a powerful reminder of how opportunity, connection, and encouragement can help scholars shine.
