LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Stephanie Bueneman was nominated by a retired principal, Randy McClain.

Ms. Bueneman is a 1987 Oak Grove High School graduate and daughter of the school nurse, Patti Richardson Waller. She has given 32 years of her life to public education and 23 of those years to Oak Grove High School. Ms. Bueneman has served as the Head Cheer Coach for 16 years. She has led and served as the Math Department Chair for over 20 years. Ms. Bueneman has directed 16 years of Community Homecoming pep rallies, Homecoming parades, and Homecoming dances, not to mention countless OGHS pep rallies for all sports and state competitions. 

She has even organized all-school pep rallies involving students from kindergarten to seniors. Ms. Bueneman has taken the lead in putting together amazing OGHS proms throughout the years. She has taught the most elite math courses offered at OGHS and the most challenging courses along the way. Ms. Bueneman has been instrumental in preparing students for the ACT and served as a proctor. She has served as a mentor to countless teachers who are new to either the profession or OGHS. Ms. Bueneman has "been there" for anyone who needs her. It is no coincidence that the first four letters of her name are "Step," as she has "stepped up" whenever there was a need and without having to be asked!

Ms. Bueneman has been there with food and whatever a family needed after the death of an OGHS student. She organized fundraisers for families who lost their homes to fires and rolled up her sleeves to step up and help following the tornado of 2016. Ms. Bueneman and her family conducted numerous fundraisers to provide scholarships for graduating seniors in memory of her mother. She has preserved the traditions and legacies of the Oak Grove School District and community.

"These accomplishments barely scratch the surface of what Stephanie Bueneman has brought to Oak Grove High School, the Oak Grove School District, and the Oak Grove Community," said McClain,

In addition, Ms. Bueneman is the mother of 2 successful adult children, both OGHS grads. She is a treasured daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.