May 2, 2018 at 6:07 p.m.
Arbirthday event keeps Ottman's memory alive
Arbirthday event keeps Ottman's memory alive
By Kayla Thomason-
The event, celebrated on what would have been Ottman's 30th birthday as well as Arbor Day, is a fundraiser for the Jonathan Ottman Memorial Scholarship.
Ottman passed away Dec. 25, 2015, at the age of 27, after battling cancer.
Two $500 Ottman scholarships were awarded last year to Rhinelander High School students and two will be awarded this spring. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students have to participate in band for four years, take a lot of computer-related classes or both.
Jennifer Sackett, Ottman's mother, ordered 150 white spruce trees from Trees for Tomorrow for the Arbirthday event, but they are currently under snow. A sign-up sheet was available for those interested in getting one of the saplings.
Sackett said she has been touched by the community's support since her son's death.
"The outpouring, the last three years have just been fabulous, I can't even express how grateful I am to everybody, the businesses, the individuals who have helped and donated, they've just been wonderful," she said.
"Jon was a pretty amazing person and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom, but you can tell by the people that come that he really made an impact and even though he's been gone a little over two years he's still making an impact," she continued. "He had a big heart and I'm just grateful for everybody else for giving back so that we can continue to help other people and remember him and celebrate him."
Lauryn Cook is a family friend who knew Jonathan since they were children. She was also one of the scholarship recipients last year. She said the Arbirthday event is a fitting way to remember Jonathan because Jonathan and his friends often celebrated both his birthday and Arbor Day.
"I think it's awesome because it kind of gives awareness, because people don't usually think about Arbor Day as an important thing," she said.
"He was just a great guy and this is a great way to keep his memory alive," she added.
Jessica Touchette, Jonathan's cousin, was pleased with the size of the crowd.
"I think it's really great, it looks like it is going to be a better turnout than last year, last year there was a big turnout as well so it's exciting," she said, adding that she loves that the event continues a tradition Jonathan and his friends started.
"I think it's really great because it's something he and his friends did for their birthdays so it's done in his honor," she said. "It's a really good thing for his friends and family to do in his memory because it's turning something that was really painful into something that is beneficial. We really miss him but it's exciting to be able to be doing something in his memory.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.