This petition has been created in honor and support of Beverely Osterberg, affectionately known to all as Miss O. All who sign this petition below believe that Miss O should immediately be reinstated as the Stowe High School Varsity Field Hockey Coach. We all are demanding that the actions taken by the Stowe High School principal and athletic director not only be reversed, but that a public apology is made to Miss O for this unjust termination. This is a compilation of some of the words written on the Friends of Miss O Facebook page, by those who support and admire Miss O for all the years of dedication she has given to the students of Stowe High School: Miss O ... You cared about each and everyone and were hard on everyone because you cared. You expected me to be professional, that I was a representative for the school and the team, and you expected 110%. I am better because of it. When my sister passed away a few years back, more than 20 years after I graduated, at visiting hours, who came walking in? You did. That there told me that you didn’t forget about us after we left the building. There is a reason why that field bears your name and why you are one of only 6 people who have been inducted into the VPA Hall of Fame. You are one of a kind, there is no question. Your intensity was infectious and you are a source of pride for the community. You cared about every kid in Stowe! You are an iconic figure of Stowe, Vermont. You have reached hundreds of students and played a formative role in our lives. I feel fortunate to have witnessed your passion for field hockey and teaching. Thank you for showing Stowe High School loyalty, dedication and compassion throughout your career. You are not only a wonderful coach, but a wonderful person and friend. When I became sick during high school, you were one of the few staff members at SHS that truly showed you cared. You wrote me cards weekly and have continued to send cards throughout the 5 years I have been sick. You are passionate, hard working, and have been dedicated to the field hockey team, the students, and SHS as a whole your entire career. You were the best coach that I could have asked for at Stowe High School. You taught me the true meaning of hard work, passion, pride, and ownership. Call it what you want, but you are a great coach and role model for every girl who passes through your program. I almost quit field hockey going into my freshman year, but you helped me to develop the self-confidence and pride that I needed to be successful. Now, because of you, I had a successful four year college career playing field hockey, decided to get my Masters in Sports Leadership, and just started my own career coaching field hockey. I am sorry that this happened, but I am really sorry for the girls who are missing out on a great coach and an even better role model. Even after we graduate, you still watch and support us through inspirational cards and sending the news paper articles when we are in the paper. You truly are a support even when we leave Stowe. You are an inspirational coach. You taught me how to be an athlete and that hard work and dedication pay off. It was your passion for the game of field hockey that sparked my love of the sport. Your coaching style was unique, but it worked. 15 state championships and a 47 game winning streak in 44 years do not lie. In my 4 years alone, we made it to the finals all 4 years, winning 3 championships and I was part of the 40 plus game winning streak! (Something I will never forget!) I am just sad to see such a legendary coach, who has coached generations of families, (2 in mine alone), with such a tremendous career end in this way! It was not until I was in college that I fully understood how playing field hockey for you not only sparked my love for the sport, but also taught me valuable life lessons. You taught me that hard work, dedication and passion is a recipe for success. It saddens me to see you be treated like this. It is not right. You deserve more respect and dignity than this. Thank you for everything you have taught me and all that have played for you Miss O! It truly was an honor! Stowe, you have been privileged to have this remarkable person in your midst for over 40 years. Her bounty of energy has been yours for that whole time and you have prospered because of it. Now is your opportunity to give back to someone who gave you so much. It is time to evaluate the evaluators. There are some examples in life that transcend the generational attitudes and teach us life's more important lessons. There are times where pass/fail is all that matters. This is one of those times and this is one of those people. Do the right thing Stowe, re-instate Miss O! We hope that the administration will reconsider their decision; show Miss O just a fraction of the commitment and love that she has shown over her tremendous career. Miss O should be immediately reinstated as the Stowe High School Varsity Field Hockey Coach. We demand that the actions taken by Stowe High School be reversed, and that all those involved in this unjust termination make a public apology to Miss O for this unjust termination. Thank you for your immediate assistance in this matter,

Friends of Miss O and Melanie Bouchard Lemnah (Administrator of Friends of Miss O)

Sponsor

Links