Written By: Sydni Crass 

Here at Oak Hills High School, we are all about working together and finding ourselves. The 253 staff members make it a point to make every student feel welcomed and successful when it comes to their most personal and academic needs. The high school offers a wide range of clubs available for all students, from Ping-Pong to Feminist, and even to Global Issues Club. All 2,716 students are given the opportunity to find something they truly love, whether it is through a class course, club, or sport. However, with so many students at Oak Hills, it may be hard to stand out amongst the crowd and show people who you really are, even if you are in a club, on a sports team, or dedicated to your classes. The school is so large with so many different people that most of the time you won’t even cross paths with most individuals you share a high school with. As a result, four special students have been nominated by their teachers for their extraordinary attitude in the classroom and uplifting personalities around others.

Nominated by Ms. Stallo, is Alex Rielag. According to his teacher, he is a “very hard worker and likes to stay busy. Alex is also a very friendly guy who loves getting along with his peers and setting good examples.” Rielag has completed all requirements for high school and is graduating from Oak Hills this May. Aside from his schooling, he enjoys helping his dad build ramps and working at a bakery making dog treats. Alex’s favorite foods are chicken tenders and pretzels, and he make sure he sets good exa

mples for his peers by always drinking water. 

Eleventh grader, Dominico Smith was nominated by Ms. Mosher. Dominico was selected to be feature
d because, as stated from his teacher, “He is shy and unassuming. Dominico has an infectious laugh and smile.” Dominico was also nominated because, “He is humble and a hard worker who enjoys ‘hanging with friends’ and spending time with his family – especially his little brother. Dominico is the kind of student that makes teaching worthwhile.” Smith’s favorite color is red, and he loves to play video games. He has a dog named Gizmo, named after the fictional character from Gremlins; and has 2 brothers. Dominico’s favorite thing about Oak Hills High School are the pep rallies because “there is good music and lots of people”.

Jason Preston is an eleventh grader who was nominated by Ms. Hellebusch. He likes playing video games and watching football. Jason also loves his English class and is a very hard worker in all of his classes. According to his teacher, he was nominated because “he is a humble, hard working student. Everyday he comes to class and tries his hardest, even when the instruction may be clear as mud. He always has a smile on his face and a chuckle for me – and on my worst days he gives me a gentle nudge that reminds me why I love my job!”

Ninth grader, Nathan Paris has been nominated by Mr. Brunsman because, “in a school with so many students, Nathan finds a way to stand out through his positive attitude, friendly nature and sense of humor.” Nathan loves scary movies, animatronics, and superheroes, with Spiderman and Batman being his favorites. He enjoys sitting on his porch while listening to artists like Johnny Cash, Queen, and Vanilla Ice. Paris has one brother that lives in Florida, and a beagle named Tabor. “I am an excellent artist and like to draw. But I do not take requests. I surprise people,” Nathan stated.