On Wednesday, August 26, Van Buren Local Schools officially dedicated The Cassie Ohlrich Medieval Garden, located between the high school and elementary school. The ceremony honored the memory of Mrs. Cassie Ohlrich, who served Van Buren as gifted coordinator for 28 years before her passing in the summer of 2025.
Mrs. Ohlrich was deeply involved with the Medieval Garden from its inception in 2004, teaming with former elementary principal Mr. Richard Lehman and former elementary art teacher Mrs. Jane Vanden Eynden to establish the original space. To bring the vision to life, Mrs. Ohlrich wrote grants to secure funding, collaborated with teachers to design hands-on lesson plans, and worked alongside elementary students and staff to maintain the garden for years to come.
During the ceremony, Mr. Lehman and Mrs. Vanden Eynden spoke about Mrs. Ohlrich’s role in the creation of the original Medieval Garden. Colleagues Mrs. Brooke Forsyth and Mrs. Ann Jackson shared the impact Mrs. Ohlrich had on our district both with the garden and in the classroom, and students Thalia Anderson and Sophia Steiner read poems students had written when the garden was originally dedicated. Finally, Superintendent Dr. Jason Inkrott dedicated the garden as The Cassie Ohlrich Medieval Garden to ensure her vision thrives for generations to come.
As part of the rededication, a Burgundy Heart redbud tree was planted in Mrs. Ohlrich’s memory.
In addition to many Van Buren staff and Board of Education members who attended the ceremony, family and friends of Mrs. Ohlrich also attended.
The idea to rename the garden came about in the fall of 2025, and there were many updates completed to prepare for the ceremony, including the trimming, removal, and planting of trees; removal and planting of bushes; planting of flowers; replacement of the stone sign at the garden entrance; replacement of the bridge stonework; reseeding of grass; and installation of concrete edging throughout the garden.
The revitalization project was funded through generous grant support from The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation and Pilot Travel Center and donations from Van Buren alumni.
We would also like to thank the many individuals and local businesses that contributed to the garden’s revitalization:
Mr. Cole Martin, USA Lawn
Mr. Joe Puperi, Advanced Tree Health
The Medieval Garden Committee
The VBS Maintenance Staff
Ashcraft Tree Service
FASTSIGNS of Findlay
Gosche-Putnam Masonry
As students, staff, and visitors pass by the garden, we hope it serves as a lasting reminder of Mrs. Ohlrich’s incredible impact on our district. We are proud to honor her legacy in such a meaningful way and will remember her contributions for years to come.