{{Use American English|date=September 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox school | name = Owasso High School | image = Owasso_High_School_(Interior)_2014-04-06_18-06.jpg | caption = The main entryway of Owasso High School's East Campus | motto = Once a Ram, Always a Ram<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Story - Owasso High School |url=https://ohs.owassops.org/about-us/our-story|website=ohs.owassops.org}}</ref> | address = 12901 East 86th Street North | region = Green Country | city = Owasso | county = Tulsa County | state = Oklahoma | zipcode = 74055 | country = United States | coordinates = {{Coord|36|16|47|N|95|49|42|W|type:edu_region:US-OK|display=inline,title}} | other_name = OHS | age_range = 14-18<ref>{{cite web |title=Owasso High School (Ranked Top 20% for 2024-25) - Owasso, OK |url=https://www.publicschoolreview.com/owasso-high-school-profile |website=Public School Review |language=en |date=31 October 2024}}</ref> | enrollment = 3,068 (2023–2024)<ref name="nces_sch">{{cite web |title=Search for Public Schools - Owasso HS (402328001235) |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&ID=402328001235 |publisher=Institute of Education Sciences |website=National Center for Education Statistics |access-date=December 17, 2024}}</ref> | classes = 131<ref>{{cite web |title=Owasso High School Test Scores and Academics |url=https://www.niche.com/k12/owasso-high-school-owasso-ok/academics/ |website=Niche |language=en |access-date=October 3, 2019 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806021119/https://www.niche.com/k12/owasso-high-school-owasso-ok/academics/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ratio = 21:1<ref>{{cite web |title=Owasso High School (Ranked Top 20% for 2024-25) - Owasso, OK |url=https://www.publicschoolreview.com/owasso-high-school-profile |website=Public School Review |language=en |date=31 October 2024}}</ref> | language = English | teaching_staff = 139 | employees = 282 | newspaper = Owasso RamPage<ref>{{cite web |title=OwassoRampage |url=https://www.owassorampage.com/ |website=OwassoRampage |access-date=1 July 2022 |archive-date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629211655/https://www.owassorampage.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | yearbook = Trail's End<ref>{{cite web |title=Owasso High School - Trails End Yearbook (Owasso, OK), Covers 1 - 12 |url=https://www.e-yearbook.com/Owasso_High_School_Trails_End_Yearbook |website=e-yearbook.com}}</ref> | alumni = Randy Blake, Dylan Bundy, Aaron Colvin, Brian Flynn, Keon Hatcher, Jon Kolb, Pete Kozma, Shake Milton, Paul Smith, Braden Webb | mascot = Rambo | nickname = Rams | rival = {{ubl | Bixby Spartans | Broken Arrow Tigers}} Sand Springs Sandites | USNWR_ranking = 10,785<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/oklahoma/districts/owasso/owasso-high-school-16181}}</ref> | hours_in_day = 6 hours, 45 minutes | campuses = East Campus, West Campus<ref>{{cite web |title=School Information |url=https://ohs.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1024174&type=d&pREC_ID=1329866 |website=ohs.owassops.org |access-date=1 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629212100/https://ohs.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1024174&type=d&pREC_ID=1329866 |url-status=live}}</ref> | campus_type = Suburban | colors = Red, black, and white <br/>{{color box|#BE0F34}} {{color box|black}} {{color box|white}} | song = Owasso Alma Mater<ref>{{cite web |title=Alma Mater |url=https://ohs.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1024174&type=d&pREC_ID=2087784 |website=ohs.owassops.org |access-date=1 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701235410/https://ohs.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1024174&type=d&pREC_ID=2087784 |url-status=live}}</ref> | fight_song = Owasso Fight Song<ref>{{cite web |title=Fight Song |url=https://ohs.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1024174&type=d&pREC_ID=2087810 |website=ohs.owassops.org |access-date=1 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701235157/https://ohs.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1024174&type=d&pREC_ID=2087810 |url-status=live}}</ref> | athletic_conference = 6A District 1 | lastupdate = November 28, 2024 | schooltype = Public high school | fundingtype = Local, state, federal government allocations, bond initiatives, federal programs, community contributions<ref>{{cite web |title=Search for Public School Districts - District Detail for |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?ID2=4023280 |website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref> | established = September 1975 | school_board = Owasso Public Schools Board of Education<ref>{{cite web |title=Home - Owasso Public Schools |url=https://www.owassops.org/ |website=www.owassops.org |date=22 November 2024}}</ref> | district = Owasso Public Schools | us_nces_district_id = {{NCES District ID|4023280|district_name=Owasso Public Schools|access_date=2022-06-25}} | grades = 9-12 | superintendent = Dr. Margaret Coates<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Margaret Coates |url=https://www.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1940749&type=u |access-date=1 July 2022 |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222210247/https://www.owassops.org/apps/pages/Superintendent |url-status=live}}</ref> | principal = Tiffani Cooper<ref>{{cite web |title=Tiffani Cooper |url=https://ohs.owassops.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1997379&type=u |access-date=1 July 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> | sports = Baseball, Basketball (Boys), Basketball (Girls), Cheer, Cross country, Football, Golf (Boys), Golf (Girls), Pom, Soccer (Boys), Soccer (Girls), Softball, Swimming (Boys & Girls), Tennis (Boys), Tennis (Girls), Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling<ref>{{cite web |title=Sports – Owasso High School Athletics |url=https://owassoathletics.org/sports/?_ga=2.89673180.616847532.1656718183-1838935375.1656005211&_gl=1*1c8tfta*_ga*MTgzODkzNTM3NS4xNjU2MDA1MjEx*_ga_KP561KJNZW*MTY1NjcxODE4My43LjEuMTY1NjcxOTM1MC4w |access-date=1 July 2022 |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701235410/https://owassoathletics.org/sports/?_ga=2.89673180.616847532.1656718183-1838935375.1656005211&_gl=1*1c8tfta*_ga*MTgzODkzNTM3NS4xNjU2MDA1MjEx*_ga_KP561KJNZW*MTY1NjcxODE4My43LjEuMTY1NjcxOTM1MC4w |url-status=live}}</ref> | website = {{URL|https://ohs.owassops.org}} }}
'''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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=Oklahoma banned trans students from bathrooms. Now a bullied student is dead after a fight |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nex-benedict-dead-oklahoma-b2499332.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220231802/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/nex-benedict-dead-oklahoma-b2499332.html |archive-date=2024-02-20 |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=The Independent}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=Police release video, search warrant related to investigation of Nex Benedict's death |url=https://www.publicradiotulsa.org/local-regional/2024-02-24/police-release-video-search-warrant-related-to-investigation-of-nex-benedicts-death |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=Public Radio Tulsa |language=en}}</ref>
The district (of which this is the sole comprehensive high school) includes Owasso, a small portion of Tulsa,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40143_tulsa/DC20SD_C40143.pdf |title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Tulsa County, OK |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=2024-01-28 |archive-date=2023-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429192953/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40143_tulsa/DC20SD_C40143.pdf |url-status=live}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40143_tulsa/DC20SD_C40143_SD2MS.txt Text list] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618092838/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40143_tulsa/DC20SD_C40143_SD2MS.txt |date=2023-06-18 }}</ref> Limestone, and a small portion of Valley Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40131_rogers/DC20SD_C40131.pdf |title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Rogers County, OK |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=2024-01-28 |archive-date=2022-10-09 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40131_rogers/DC20SD_C40131.pdf |url-status=live}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40131_rogers/DC20SD_C40131_SD2MS.txt Text list] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129032937/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st40_ok/schooldistrict_maps/c40131_rogers/DC20SD_C40131_SD2MS.txt |date=2024-01-29 }}.</ref> It is located within the 7,000 square-mile Cherokee Nation reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maps |url=https://www.cherokee.org/about-the-nation/maps/ |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=Cherokee Nation Website |language=en-US}}</ref>
== History == ===''Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo''=== {{Main|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.
The lawsuit began when 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.
===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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Students walk out over nonbinary student Nex Benedict's death, anti-LGBTQ bullying in Oklahoma |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/student-walkout-owasso-high-school-oklahoma-nonbinary-student-nex-benedict-death/story?id=107546201 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=John |date=2024-02-27 |title=Students walk out to protest school's horrific bullying environment after Nex Benedict's death |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/02/students-walk-out-to-protest-schools-horrific-bullying-environment-after-nex-benedicts-death/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=LGBTQ Nation |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=Oklahoma school district adding anti-harassment policies after nonbinary teen's death |url=https://apnews.com/article/nex-benedict-oklahoma-high-school-investigation-agreement-7e0e27148b04a22d5d7e4bcbc5ba556a |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
===Death of Nex Benedict=== {{Main|Death of Nex Benedict}} In February 2024, Owasso High School in Oklahoma became the center of national attention following the 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).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-13 |title=Death of nonbinary teen Nex Benedict after school fight is ruled a suicide, medical examiner says |url=https://apnews.com/article/nonbinary-student-death-nex-benedict-oklahoma-owasso-88f403bfd5436a53b636dcc2bc59ebf8 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Steinbuch |first=Yaron |date=2024-03-28 |title=Nex Benedict had nonlethal head trauma, left self-harm notes before death: autopsy |url=https://nypost.com/2024/03/28/us-news/nex-benedict-had-nonlethal-head-trauma-left-self-harm-notes-before-death-autopsy/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |language=en-US}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-21 |title=No charges to be filed in fight involving Oklahoma nonbinary teen Nex Benedict, prosecutor says |url=https://apnews.com/article/nex-benedict-owasso-suicide-nonbinary-charges-0667b5a694c2773d6ea76face0a22ef1 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Riedel |first=Samantha |date=2024-11-14 |title=Investigation Finds Nex Benedict's School District Was "Deliberately Indifferent" to Harassment Complaints |url=https://www.them.us/story/nex-benedict-department-of-education-investigation-owasso-public-schools |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Them |language=en-US}}</ref>
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.
== 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.
==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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sports – Owasso High School Athletics |url=https://owassoathletics.org/sports/ |access-date=2024-11-29 |language=en-US}}</ref>
===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.
==Notable alumni== * Randy Blake, kickboxer<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=BILL HAISTEN World Sports |title=First Celebrity Fight Night significant for Owasso's Randy Blake |url=https://tulsaworld.com/sports/first-celebrity-fight-night-significant-for-owasso-s-randy-blake/article_1de79590-62ef-5219-a7af-4cf063496c03.html |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Tulsa World |date=23 April 2015 |language=en |archive-date=2022-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630164214/https://tulsaworld.com/sports/first-celebrity-fight-night-significant-for-owasso-s-randy-blake/article_1de79590-62ef-5219-a7af-4cf063496c03.html |url-status=live}}</ref> * Dylan Bundy, Major League Baseball (MLB) player; class of 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dylan Bundy's High School Baseball Stats |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dylan-bundy/JhRuc_TvEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/baseball/stats.htm |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=MaxPreps.com |date=September 14, 2013 |language=en |archive-date=2022-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630164214/https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dylan-bundy/JhRuc_TvEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/baseball/stats.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> * Aaron Colvin, pro football player with the Houston Texans<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aaron Colvin - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/72008/aaron-colvin |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=2022-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630164547/http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/72008/aaron-colvin |url-status=live}}</ref> * Brian Flynn, MLB player<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brian Flynn Class of 2008 - Player Profile {{!}} Perfect Game USA |url=https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=130207 |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Perfect Game |archive-date=2020-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928185308/https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=130207 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Keon Hatcher, pro football player with the Oakland Raiders<ref>{{Cite web |title=Keon Hatcher, Arkansas Razorbacks, Wide Receiver |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Keon-Hatcher-14419/college-34150/ |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=247Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222210040/https://247sports.com/Player/Keon-Hatcher-14419/college-34150/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Jon Kolb, football player and strongman<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jon Kolb NFL Stats - Pro Football Archives |url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerk/kolb00200.html |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=www.profootballarchives.com |archive-date=2022-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630164548/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerk/kolb00200.html |url-status=live}}</ref> * Pete Kozma, MLB player<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pete Kozma Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kozmape01.shtml |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630164216/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kozmape01.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> * Chris McClellan (American football), college football defensive tackle for the Missouri Tigers<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jourdan |first1=Cameron |title='It was huge, man': Chris McClellan, Owasso defense shut down Edmond Santa Fe in season opener |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2021/08/27/edmond-santa-fe-owasso-high-school-football/5585226001/ |website=The Oklahoman |date=27 August 2021 |access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref> * Shake Milton, NBA player with the Los Angeles Lakers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shake Milton, Philadelphia 76ers, Shooting Guard |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Shake-Milton-42244/ |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=247Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=2017-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124181138/http://247sports.com/Player/Shake-Milton-42244 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Paul Smith, American and Canadian football player<ref>{{Cite web |title=Paul Smith, Tulsa Golden Hurricane, Quarterback |url=https://247sports.com/player/paul-smith-48226/ |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=247Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=2014-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207212105/http://247sports.com/Player/Paul-Smith-48226 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Braden Webb, professional baseball player<ref>{{cite web |last=Favalora |first=Christian |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/communities/owasso/owasso-s-braden-webb-fulfills-his-dreams-with-the-milwaukee/article_f74036ce-e621-59a5-a659-0607265c7b1a.html |title=Owasso's Braden Webb fulfills his dreams with the Milwaukee Brewers | Owasso Reporter |publisher=tulsaworld.com |date=June 27, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321040756/https://www.tulsaworld.com/communities/owasso/owasso-s-braden-webb-fulfills-his-dreams-with-the-milwaukee/article_f74036ce-e621-59a5-a659-0607265c7b1a.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Braden Webb College, Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=webb--002bra |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630164547/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=webb--002bra |url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Oklahoma High School Athletic Districts}}
Category:Public high schools in Oklahoma Category:Schools in Tulsa County, Oklahoma Category:1975 establishments in Oklahoma Category:Educational institutions established in 1975 Category:School buildings completed in 1975