# Owasso High School

Owasso High School is a high school located within Tulsa County in Owasso, Oklahoma, United States. It is among the largest high schools in Oklahoma by enrollment with nearly 3,000 students. In 2024, the school received international attention following the death of Nex Benedict.
The district (of which this is the sole comprehensive high school) includes Owasso, a small portion of Tulsa, Limestone, and a small portion of Valley Park. It is located within the 7,000 square-mile Cherokee Nation reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.

## History
### Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo

In the 2002 case Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed whether the practice of peer grading in classrooms violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. FERPA restricts educational institutions from releasing students' education records without parental consent.
Case background:
Kristja J. Falvo, a parent in the Owasso Independent School District in Oklahoma, challenged the district's practice of allowing students to grade each other's assignments and announce the scores aloud. She argued that this method embarrassed her children and constituted an unlawful disclosure of educational records under FERPA. After the school district declined to change its policy, Falvo filed a lawsuit.
Legal proceedings:
* District Court: The court ruled in favor of the school district, stating that grades on student-graded papers were not "education records" as defined by FERPA.
* Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals: This decision was reversed, with the appellate court holding that peer-graded assignments did qualify as education records and that the practice violated FERPA.
* U.S. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve the issue.
Supreme Court decision:
On February 19, 2002, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that peer grading does not violate FERPA. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the Court, explained that grades on student-graded papers are not "maintained" by an educational agency or institution at the time of grading and thus do not fall under FERPA's definition of education records. The Court emphasized that FERPA's intent was to protect institutional records, such as final grades and standardized test scores, not individual assignments handled by students.
Implications:
This ruling clarified that classroom practices like peer grading are permissible under federal law, allowing educators to continue using such methods without violating students' privacy rights as outlined in FERPA.

### LGBT issues

Owasso High School in Oklahoma has faced significant challenges regarding LGBTQ+ issues, particularly following the tragic death of 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict in February 2024. Benedict died by suicide a day after a physical altercation in a school bathroom, an incident reportedly linked to bullying over their gender identity.
In the wake of Benedict's death, students organized walkouts to protest anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and to demand a safer environment for all students. These events drew national attention to the school's handling of such issues.
A federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights revealed that Owasso Public Schools had violated Title IX by failing to adequately address sexual harassment complaints. The investigation found that the district did not properly inform students and parents about filing formal complaints or offer necessary support services. As a result, the district agreed to implement comprehensive anti-harassment policies, provide training for staff and students, and issue a public statement against harassment.
This case underscores the critical importance of proactive measures to protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment, ensuring a safe and inclusive educational environment.

### Death of Nex Benedict

In February 2024, Owasso High School in Oklahoma became the center of national attention following the tragic death of 16-year-old student Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary. On February 7, Nex was involved in a physical altercation with three students in the school's girls' restroom. The following day, Benedict collapsed at home and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and, on March 13, ruled Benedict's death a suicide resulting from the combined toxicity of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) and fluoxetine (an antidepressant). The report noted that while Benedict sustained head injuries during the school altercation, these injuries were nonlethal. Additionally, handwritten notes suggestive of self-harm were found in Benedict's room.
Following a thorough review, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler announced that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the altercation or Benedict's death, describing the incident as "mutual combat."
Benedict's family and friends reported that Benedict had faced bullying related to their gender identity for over a year prior to the incident. This case has intensified discussions about the treatment of LGBTQ+ students in schools and the adequacy of anti-bullying measures. In response, the U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into Owasso Public Schools' handling of harassment complaints. The investigation concluded that the district was "deliberately indifferent" to reports of sexual harassment, leading to a voluntary resolution agreement to implement comprehensive anti-harassment policies and training.
The death of Nex Benedict has prompted vigils, student walkouts, and calls for systemic reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students in educational environments.

## Notable alumni

* Randy Blake, kickboxer
* Dylan Bundy, Major League Baseball (MLB) player; class of 2011
* Aaron Colvin, pro football player with the Houston Texans
* Brian Flynn, MLB player
* Keon Hatcher, pro football player with the Oakland Raiders
* Jon Kolb, football player and strongman
* Pete Kozma, MLB player
* Shake Milton, NBA player with the Los Angeles Lakers
* Paul Smith, American and Canadian football player
* Braden Webb, professional baseball player

## Campus

Owasso High School, located in Owasso, Oklahoma, operates across two campuses to accommodate its large student body of nearly 3,000 students in grades 9 through 12.
Campus structure:
* West Campus: Situated at 8800 North 129th East Avenue, this campus serves 9th and 10th-grade students.
* East Campus: Located at 12901 East 86th Street North, this campus is designated for 11th and 12th-grade students.
Facilities and resources:
The school provides a variety of facilities to support student development, including:
* Idea Lab: A space designed to foster creativity and innovation.
* Media Centers: Resources aimed at enhancing research and learning.

## Athletics

Owasso High School, located in Owasso, Oklahoma, offers a comprehensive athletics program with teams in 18 sports, including baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, football, golf, pom, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.
Football
The Owasso Rams football team has secured three state championships: a Class 3A co-championship in 1974, and Class 6A-1 titles in 2017 and 2019. Under head coach Bill Blankenship since 2017, the team plays home games at Owasso Stadium on the East Campus. Notable rivalries include the "Battle of the 'Burbs" with Bixby High School and the Folds of Honor Patriot Bowl against Broken Arrow High School.
Baseball
The Owasso baseball program is renowned, boasting 14 state championships, with 11 titles since 1998. The most recent victory was in the 2022 Class 6A championship, where they defeated Edmond Santa Fe 7–3. Home games are held at Stigall Field on the East Campus.
Recent highlights
* Softball: The Lady Rams had a strong 2023 season, led by standout players like Jayelle Austin and University of Tulsa commit Brookley Foster.
* Cross country: Since moving to Owasso in December 2022, Bella Nelson has won three individual titles, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Additionally, the Owasso Sports Network YouTube channel provides game highlights and other athletic content.