Here at OHS, there are many ways students can get validated for their hard work and dedication, whether that be through earning awards such as Student of the Month or by receiving a Stay Classy Ticket.
The Stay Classy Ticket program has been around at OHS for a while, yet many students are unaware of the perks of receiving one of these tickets. In order to make this program more well known, those who run it are working on new ideas to attract more popularity within OHS.
“We’ve done it every year for the past couple of years, at least as long as I’ve been here,” said Makenna Luby, teacher and peer facilitator. “We recently just did where you can win as a class and you get a donut party; that was kinda our newest idea, and [we’re] always thinking of new prizes and gifts for people to get through Stay Classy.”
When students receive Stay Classy Tickets, they can turn them into the conduct office. By doing so, they have a chance to win a prize if their name is pulled from the raffle.
“I do [a raffle] once a week, we have gift cards, homecoming and prom tickets, yearbooks, a couple shirts and cups, and then again that donut party for if you win as a class,” Luby said.
Students must demonstrate in some way that they are going out of their way to make an impact at OHS in order to receive a ticket from their teachers or other staff members.
“When students receive a Stay Classy or Stay Healthy Ticket, it’s a way for staff to acknowledge their efforts in demonstrating learning, leading, or contributing above and beyond,” said Justin McLain, assistant principal. “These behaviors contribute to a strong school culture where students feel valued and encouraged to do their best, both academically and socially.”
Students who have received tickets and turned them into the raffle appreciate that their excellence is being recognized by their teachers.
“I’ve received about six to seven [tickets] this quarter,” said David Cizmar, sophomore. “Mostly from Mr. Ticknor, he’s a really big Stay Classy giver.”
Winning the raffle allows students to be directly rewarded for their positive actions which in turn encourages them to continue working their hardest.
“From the Stay Classy Ticket raffle I won a 15 dollar gift card to Starbucks, I was very happy. I got [tickets] for completing my work in a timely manner and submitting it,” said Mandy Hoglund, sophomore.
Stay Classy Tickets are not super well known throughout campus since some teachers restrain from regularly giving them out to students who excel in their classes.
“Absolutely they should hand out more. I think my other teachers are really holding back on it,” Cizmar said. “I would say that they’re worth it; they’re really fun.”
This program is a wonderful way for students to be recognized on a day-to-day basis, and it is vital for OHS staff to make sure they acknowledge their students’ hard work.
“More teachers should hand out Stay Classy Tickets because it could be a good motivator for students to keep on doing their work; it can feel nice to get a little bit of validation and appreciation but no harm no foul if they don’t,” Hoglund said.
Nevertheless, the Stay Classy Ticket program is influencing OHS as a whole to work towards being the best and most positive environment possible for staff and students alike.
“Our hope is that this program not only rewards students for their positive actions but also inspires others to follow their lead,” McLain said. “At O’Connor, we believe that small, everyday choices make a big difference in shaping the kind of community we want to build.”
