Owasso High School grads and their careers

By Samuel Hays

Photo of Gideon Hays at the Naval Academy, taken by Missy Hays

High schoolers often have a hard time choosing what they want to do later on in life. They can’t seem to make up their minds regarding their future plans. Luckily, plenty of alums who have experienced Owasso High School have already chosen their career paths.

Riley Moneypenny was an Owasso grad who thought he wanted to be in ROTC. However, he realized while doing ROTC that he would rather get his EMT license. 

Moneypenny reflects,  “I wish I didn’t waste my time in ROTC.” 

Nevertheless, even though he was indecisive, he was still able to succeed in life and find his passion, eventually joining the fire department. After making this career switch, Moneypenny was grateful that he took Mrs. Wilson’s Human Anatomy class because he used the material he learned in the class to pursue his EMT license.

“Knowing the human body really helped me acquire my EMT license and save lives in the ambulance,” explains Moneypenny. 

You may not think that a class you’re taking right now will help you, but in some cases, it can later on. Even if you take a seemingly “blowoff” class, you can still use things you learned from that class in your college major or eventual career.

However, contrary to Moneypenny, some people have a dream that starts freshman year. 

Gideon Hays, a former Owasso High School graduate and Midshipman at the Naval Academy, says, “I’ve always had a dream to serve in one way or another, and when I found out about the academy, I felt like it was a way to not only become a military officer but also to challenge myself in ways I never would’ve expected.”  

In talking about his journey, Hays speaks on behalf of his former teachers. Here at Owasso, there are plenty of teachers here to help you get ready for your future career. 

“Mrs. Zamor did a great job in preparing me for the rigors of math at the Academy. Mr. Smith’s class taught me a lot about how to manage my time in a more college-like setting.” Hays states. 

Teachers can and will prepare you for the next step after high school. Chances are, they’ve been through everything you have and more.

Mr. Shuck, a former Owasso high school student, reflects on his experience as a former student. 

“Mr. Beuto (his French teacher) taught me that class could be interesting while still being able to get things done,” says Mr. Shuck.  

Mr. Shuck applies this same concept when teaching his sophomore English class. He provides a safe and fun environment for his students while also teaching them the material. 

Throughout college, Mr. Shuck found his love for English. 

“I started out as a history major, but then I switched it to English because I’ve always had a natural talent for reading and writing,” Shuck states, “I really enjoyed doing film focus in college, and I don’t think I would’ve done it if I hadn’t had teachers who showed me the value of a book I wouldn’t have picked up on my own.”

There are plenty of ways to approach your career. Whether you don’t know exactly what you want to do or you have a set goal, Owasso High School will do everything it can to assist you. Plenty of great Owasso teachers have had experience helping out their students, and they'll be willing to help you too.