Octorara School Board Mourns Loss, Plans for Future After Tragic Passing of Sam Ganow

Octorara Area School District

ATGLEN, PA — The Octorara Area School Board convened on Monday, February 12, 2024, to acknowledge the heartbreaking loss of Sam Ganow, a dedicated member of the school board and beloved community figure. Ganow’s untimely passing in an airplane accident on February 1 has left a void in the hearts of many within the community.

Ganow’s impact on the school district and the community at large was profound. He served faithfully on the Octorara School Board for 26 years, most recently as board president. His commitment to education, his passion for community service, and his unwavering dedication to the district were hallmarks of his tenure.

In honor of Ganow’s life and legacy, the school community is inviting the public to a memorial service on Sunday, February 18, at 2 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The service will celebrate Ganow’s numerous contributions to the school district and the broader community.

As the Pennsylvania school code mandates, the school board must now fill Ganow’s seat. Following standard procedure, the board will accept letters of interest along with a resume from residents of the Octorara School District. The board will then appoint a new member by majority vote. Interested parties should include their name, address, phone number, and email address in their letter of interest.

The new appointee must hail from Region 2, which includes Sadsbury Township in Lancaster County and West Fallowfield Township in Chester County – the same region Ganow represented.

Individuals interested in serving on the school board should send their information to School Board Secretary Jill Hardy at jhardy@octorara.org by Friday, February 16, at noon. The school board plans to conduct interviews during the regular school board meeting on Tuesday, February 20, at 7 p.m. in the Octorara Jr/Sr High School Multi-Purpose Room.

Ganow, originally from Mississippi and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska, was a stalwart figure within the community. A 1976 graduate of Skyview Baptist Academy in Memphis, TN, he furthered his education at LeTourneau University, where he found faith and camaraderie.

For over three decades, Ganow was involved in the construction equipment rental business. He was a devoted member and elder of Faith Bible Chapel in Cochranville, PA, and an enthusiastic volunteer and advocate for alpine ski races for more than 20 years.

Aviation was another of Ganow’s passions. He received his pilot’s license in college and flew recreationally for many years. Recently, he had returned to aviation with Rebuild Rescue, where he was a popular YouTube personality, rebuilding and rehabbing airplanes. Ganow also enjoyed challenging himself by running marathons with his Run Disney community, proudly earning the title of a “Perfect Dopey.”

Ganow is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kendelyn Cadman Ganow, their three children, eight grandchildren, and four sisters.

As the Octorara Area School Board and community grapple with this tragic loss, the memory of Sam Ganow, his dedication to service, and his passionate commitment to the community will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew him. The forthcoming memorial service and the effort to fill his seat on the school board are crucial steps in honoring his legacy and ensuring that his impact continues to be felt within the community.

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