Inaugural Order of the Trojan Induction Ceremony

The Olympic High School Foundation proudly announced the launch of the Order of the Trojan, a newly established Hall of Fame recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Olympic High School and the surrounding community. The inaugural induction ceremony took place on October 17, 2024 at the Red Fez Club, celebrating the achievements of four outstanding members of the Olympic community.

This year's inductees include two distinguished educators, Dave Johnson and Mike Realon, and two exceptional alumni, Bruce Dye and Charles Beatty. Dave Johnson, a dedicated coach and teacher, served at Olympic for 41 years, leaving a lasting impact on the school’s athletic and academic programs. Mike Realon transformed the student experience at Olympic during his 20-year tenure through innovative career academies and industry partnerships. Bruce Dye, Class of 1973, was instrumental in the founding of the Olympic High School Foundation through his generous challenge pledge, which helped bring the Foundation to life. Charles Beatty, Class of 1980, served as the original chairman of the Foundation and continues to support Olympic through his philanthropic efforts.

The Order of the Trojan aims to honor educators and alumni whose dedication, leadership, and contributions have enriched the school community and left a positive, lasting legacy. Inductees are nominated by the Olympic High School community and selected by the Foundation's Board of Directors. Each year, two educators and two alumni are chosen to receive this prestigious honor.

The evening’s ceremony included the unveiling of a bronze Order of the Trojan sculpture, created by current Foundation Chairman Banks Wilson with assistance from Olympic's long-time art teacher, Mr. Somey. The sculpture, now installed in the school’s lobby, bears the names of the inductees and will serve as a lasting tribute to their contributions.

“The Order of the Trojan was created not only to celebrate those who have made an incredible impact on Olympic High School but also to bring the Olympic community together,” said Banks Wilson, Chairman of the Olympic High School Foundation. “This event was a fantastic success—we raised significant funds to support our mission, and we were able to honor those who embody the spirit of excellence and service that defines Olympic High School.”

The Olympic High School Foundation remains dedicated to its mission of attracting, supporting, and retaining excellent teachers while improving educational opportunities and providing resources for students. Nominations for the 2025 Order of the Trojan class will open next spring, and the Foundation looks forward to building on the success of this inaugural event.

Model UN for Model Students

In the spring of 2023, five determined Olympic High School students embarked on a remarkable journey as they attended their first Model United Nations (UN) conference at UNC Chapel Hill. This transformative experience was made possible through their relentless fundraising efforts and the invaluable support of their teacher advisor, Ms. Griffin, who secured an Olympic High School Foundation grant to help alleviate the travel costs for the four-day conference.

A Model UN conference is a dynamic simulation of the United Nations, where students assume the roles of delegates representing various countries and engage in passionate debates on global issues. The preparation is intense—students meticulously research the country they will represent, immerse themselves in global policies, and submit research papers leading up to the conference. The ultimate goal? To provide students with a platform for learning and honing skills in diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, and research.

Ms. Griffin, an esteemed teacher in environmental science and anatomy & physiology at Olympic High School, recognizes the profound impact of this experience. She emphasizes, "It meant a lot that I was able to help these kids develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. The five students who attended are highly involved in extracurricular activities, and they are incredibly determined to pursue higher education. Taking them on this trip, allowing them to gain this experience, and visiting a college they might be interested in was genuinely thrilling."

Opportunities like this are often readily available to more affluent schools within the CMS district. However, for Olympic High School students, they rely on private support, such as that provided by the Olympic High School Foundation, to access these life-changing experiences.

We invite you to join us in making a difference by donating today. Your support empowers Olympic High School teachers to continue shaping the lives of their students every day, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to excel and thrive.

Ms. Sistrunk: A Lesson in Chemistry

With a heart devoted to chemistry and two decades of professional experience in the pharmaceutical, food, and textile industries, Ms. Sistrunk transitioned her wealth of expertise to the classrooms of Olympic High School. As a chemistry teacher, she places immense value on continuing education and applying differentiation techniques to ensure her students receive a top-tier learning experience. Her commitment led her to apply for an OHS Foundation grant to attain her National Board Certification in Teaching.

National Board Certification, a demanding three-year training program, challenges teachers to utilize classroom recordings, assessments, and data analysis to explain, prove, and enhance their lessons, creating a more dynamic learning experience. Ms. Sistrunk's dedication to this endeavor has prompted a transformation in her teaching approach.

Reflecting on her methods, she posed a pivotal question: "Would I be interested in this?" This introspection led to significant adjustments in her classroom strategy. Acknowledging the value of hands-on learning, Ms. Sistrunk introduced weekly labs, allowing her students to actively apply their lessons. One example of this innovative approach was a lesson on radioactive half-life using chocolate candies—a unique and engaging experience for her students.

The impact of Ms. Sistrunk's transformed teaching methods is evident in her classroom. Students are not only engaged but also committed, with perfect attendance in both her 1st and 4th block classes—times when students can often be tired, hungry, or disinterested. Her primary objective is to prepare her students for the challenges of college and the real world, a promise she communicates at the beginning of each semester. She offers them the tools for success with a straightforward but powerful formula: Be prepared by previewing the next week's lesson at the end of the prior week, show up consistently, and pay attention by taking thorough notes.

Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez: Arts and Science Council Cato Excellence in Teaching Award for History

At Olympic High School, Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez is not just a Spanish teacher; she's a beacon of inspiration. Her recent recognition with the Arts and Science Council Cato award for Excellence in Teaching History is a testament to her extraordinary dedication to bringing Afro-Latinx and Hispanic culture, heritage, and history to life in her classroom through exceptionally creative methods.

We take immense pride in celebrating Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez for this remarkable achievement and for the profound impact she has on the students at Olympic High School. Her recognition serves as a powerful testament to the transformative influence of the Olympic High School Foundation's support on teachers like her.

Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, Mrs. Ugueto received a professional development grant from the Olympic High School Foundation, which allowed her to further cultivate her leadership skills through the Arts and Science Council development program. This training not only enriched her abilities but also served as a source of inspiration for students and administrators alike. Under her guidance, they actively participated in a wide range of Afro-Latino, Hispanic heritage, and cultural enrichment celebrations, including Dias De Las Muertas, Carnival, Afro Latinx Dancing and Drumming, and the celebration of independence days of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries represented within the OHS student body.

These activities fostered a profound connection for both native and non-native Spanish-speaking students with their own multi-cultural heritage. Moreover, they gained invaluable insights into the rich cultures, folklores, and histories of Spanish-speaking countries, preparing them for meaningful 21st-century conversations about race, ethnicity, and the Latinx diaspora.

In her classroom, Mrs. Ugueto brings these cultural treasures to life through a captivating gallery of artifacts from Spanish-speaking countries—traditional clothing, masks, and foods—all designed for students to explore, experience, and appreciate. Beyond teaching Spanish as a language, she provides a holistic and enriching educational experience.

Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez's recognition with the ASC-Cato award for Excellence in Teaching is proof of the transformative power that dedicated educators possess within the classroom. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Olympic High School Foundation, teachers like Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez can continue to expand their professional development and leave an indelible impact on their students, Olympic High School, and the vibrant Steele Creek community in exceptional ways.

Ms. Parker: Advancing Technology and Careers at Olympic High School

Ms. Parker's journey from engineering to education is a testament to her resilience and dedication. After a successful 10-year career in manufacturing, she witnessed the evolving landscape of the industry due to globalization and decided it was time for a change. Her love for mathematics led her to UNC-Charlotte, where she pursued a master's degree in secondary education. From 2008 to 2019, she passionately taught math, sharing her expertise with students.

In 2019, an exciting opportunity arose when she became the Olympic High School technology facilitator. In this multifaceted role, she serves as the technology advisor, helpdesk, and digital tools expert for both students and teachers. Despite her advanced degrees in engineering and teaching, she needed to become NCDPI certified in Learning Design & Technology – Computer Education. This crucial certification became a reality with the invaluable support of a professional development grant from the Olympic High School Foundation.

Her timing couldn't have been better, as less than a year later, she would put her skills and certification to the test during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The shift to digital tools instead of textbooks placed Ms. Parker in high demand daily. What she treasures most about her role as the technology facilitator is the unique connection she forges with students, different from her classroom days. She blends her engineering background with her passion for teaching, offering students support that transcends their helpdesk needs. 

Ms. Parker's professional growth is a testament to her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-changing environment. The Olympic High School Foundation, in its mission to support teachers and facilitators like Ms. Parker, ensures that they can continue to make a profound impact on students' lives while advancing their own careers in education.

In addition to her role as a technology facilitator, Ms. Parker has become an integral part of the Olympic High School Foundation board, serving on the communications committee. Her unique perspective as a facilitator allows her to provide valuable insights into the needs of both teachers and students at Olympic. Simultaneously, she helps promote the resources and mission of the Olympic High School Foundation on campus and through various social media outlets.