Mount Olive’s FOCUS5 is more than an organization—it’s a lifeline for the schools, students, and teachers who call this tight-knit community home. Founded in 2016 amidst challenges to sports funding, FOCUS5 has grown into a robust support system for both athletics and academics, fueled by a spirit of volunteerism and an unwavering commitment to the town’s youth.

The name itself—Friends of Community Unit School District 5—was born during a pivotal meeting when concerned residents came together to prevent a potential decline in the district’s sports programs. What began as an initiative to “Keep 5 Alive” has since expanded its mission to include broader extracurricular and academic support. Today, the group funds everything from field trips to STEM programs, awards for academic milestones, and even critical updates to facilities.

At the helm of FOCUS5 are dedicated board members Sarah Vazzi, Stephanie Carle, and Lisa O’Neal. These women, each with children attending Mount Olive Schools, pour countless hours into ensuring the success of every initiative. From organizing fundraisers like the annual cheeseball sale to applying for grants, they tackle challenges with passion and purpose.

“Our community doesn’t have the resources of a big city,” Sarah explains. “If we want to make things happen for our kids, we have to step up and do it ourselves.”

Their biggest fundraiser, the cheeseball sale, epitomizes the community’s dedication. Each year, volunteers handcraft and sell over 2,500 cheeseballs, raising more than $10,000 to support students and teachers. “The cheeseball sale has become a tradition,” Stephanie shares. “Everyone pitches in, and the funds go directly into making Mount Olive schools better.”

Beyond fundraising, FOCUS5 has achieved incredible milestones through grant writing. A recent highlight was securing $60,000 for the renovation of the school’s multipurpose room—an effort spearheaded by a first-time grant writer on the team. “It’s exciting to see what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it,” Lisa says. “This project will benefit students for years to come.”

While FOCUS5’s roots are in athletics, its impact extends far beyond. The group funds field trips to destinations like the City Museum, Botanical Gardens, and Cardinals Stadium, ensuring students experience learning outside the classroom. They’ve also contributed to STEM clubs and classroom literacy initiatives.

“Everything we do is about giving kids opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have,” Stephanie emphasizes. “From academics to athletics, we want to help every student succeed.”

Athletics remains a cornerstone of FOCUS5’s mission, and for good reason. As Lisa notes, “Sports teach kids discipline, teamwork, and resilience—skills they’ll carry with them for life.” The group has funded key improvements, including a basketball shooting machine, upgrades to the outdoor batting cage, and a canopy tent for track meets. These contributions not only enhance the experience for student-athletes but also ensure Mount Olive’s teams remain competitive.

The group’s members are quick to point out that their success wouldn’t be possible without the support of the wider community. “FOCUS5 is truly all hands on deck,” Sarah says. “Whether it’s making cheeseballs or helping at fundraisers, people show up because they care about the future of our schools.”

Looking ahead, FOCUS5 aims to continue its mission of bridging gaps and creating opportunities. By merging with the PTA in 2018, the group expanded its reach to include classroom parties, student awards, and other activities that bring joy and enrichment to students’ lives.

For Sarah, Stephanie, and Lisa, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. “Yes, it’s a lot of work,” Stephanie admits. “But seeing the appreciation from kids, teachers, and the community makes it all worthwhile.”

FOCUS5 is a shining example of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Through their dedication and creativity, the people of Mount Olive have built something extraordinary—a foundation of support that will benefit generations of students to come.