by Maitland Woody. For most students, junior year begins at the same high school where they started as freshmen. For Finley Harrison, it will begin at one of Oklahoma's most academically rigorous schools.
The Kingfisher High School student has been accepted into the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM), where he will leave Kingfisher early to join the state's residential STEM program as an incoming junior.
For Finley, the opportunity was years in the making. The son of Jared and Jessica Harrison and the brother of Myles Harrison, he first learned about OSSM from his parents. As he entered high school, teachers and friends also encouraged him to learn more about the program. After attending OSSM's Shadow a Junior Day and experiencing the campus firsthand, he knew it was the right fit.
"I loved the school and the classes so i knew i needed to apply," Finley said.
While visiting campus, Finley found exactly what he was looking for: challenging coursework and students who were eager to learn. He said both the academic environment and the enthusiasm of the student body confirmed that OSSM was the right choice.
Applying to the school was a detailed process. Finley completed five short essays, while his parents wrote an essay of their own. His English, math and science teachers also completed recommendation forms as part of the application. Throughout the process, he said several teachers at Kingfisher High School encouraged him to apply and helped him prepare his application materials.
This fall, Finley is looking forward to both the classroom experience and the opportunity to meet students from across Oklahoma who share similar academic interests.
"I'm looking forward to the classes mostly, but I'm also excited to see what my peers will be like there," he said.
He expects the transition to bring new challenges, both academically and personally. In addition to more rigorous coursework, Finley will be living away from home in a residential setting.
"I feel that having a roommate and living with your peers will be the biggest change," he said.
Although he is excited about what lies ahead, Finley admits there are parts of Kingfisher High School he will miss. He described KHS as a more relaxed environment, but believes he will quickly adjust to the pace and expectations at OSSM.
His family and friends have been supportive of his decision, even though it means leaving home and Kingfisher two years before graduation.
"My parents were sad that they would lose their other child so soon, but they knew this is what was best for me," Finley said.
Finley's interest in STEM has also been shaped by his experiences at Kingfisher High School. He credits robotics and Tech Ed classes with strengthening his interest in engineering and hopes to continue exploring those subjects at OSSM.
Looking beyond high school, Finley plans to attend college and pursue a career in engineering. He believes the experience at OSSM will help prepare him for that next step.
For students who may be considering OSSM in the future, Finley encourages them to visit the campus before deciding.
"Before you plan on anything try to get onto campus for a Shadow a Junior day, or get a tour of some kind," he said. "After that talk with your teachers to decide if its truly the right decision for you."
As Finley prepares to begin this next chapter, he leaves Kingfisher with the support of his family, friends and teachers and looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that await at OSSM. Photos provided.
