Each of Katherine Meier’s children graduated from the Oklahoma School of Science and Math (OSSM).
Both sons went on to earn Ph.D.s. Steve’s doctorate is from Northwestern University in chemical engineering. John, who attended Stanford as an undergraduate, was awarded his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in June from the California Institute of Technology. Both have terrific jobs in the oil and gas industry.
We asked Katherine if she was surprised that her sons have achieved so much.
“No,” she said. “I am proud of them but not surprised. For me, there is no limit to what they can accomplish in their adult lives.”
And that is the nano-summary of the OSSM legacy.
“OSSM is the best thing that could have happened to us,” Katherine said.
“My kids were well-rounded, in sports and Boy Scouts, but they pored over their books. They read the encyclopedia, always looking for more. Smart children love to be really challenged. That’s how they thrive. That’s why immersion at OSSM was so fantastic for them.”
OSSM provides a whole world of information about colleges and universities.
“Attending OSSM makes students want to continue,” Katherine said. “They aren’t going to stop with a bachelor’s degree. They just keep going. My sons are in professions where they will continue to learn as they are contributing.”
But OSSM isn’t for everyone.
“There are lots of smart kids who don’t go to this school and do great,” Katherine said.
“You need to know what you are getting into. The kids who understand what it’s about love it.”
Not every Oklahoma student who wants to attend OSSM can. The school has resources enough to only accept about 72 or so juniors per year, less than one-third of applicants.
OSSM now has 15 regional branches that provide advanced science and math coursework to seniors across Oklahoma. Qualifying scholars can earn AP college math and physics credit while remaining affiliated with their home high schools.
“It doesn’t matter if you have money or you don’t, the state of Oklahoma provided my children and others with a unique opportunity to learn,” Katherine said. “My kids got into OSSM because they are very intelligent; they stayed and succeeded because they are very hardworking and because the people at OSSM do whatever they can to help students learn and excel. Their knowledge, help and encouragement are just unbelievable.”
That is the legacy of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics.
Tom Walker is President and CEO of i2E, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that mentors many of the state’s technology-based startup companies. i2E receives state appropriations from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. Contact him at i2E_Comments@i2E.org.
DID YOU KNOW? OSSM is taking applications for 2014 fall enrollment. Application materials must be received by March 1, 2012. Go to www.ossm.edu to download the application.
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