FEATURE STORY: May 19, 2008

A perfect Oklahoma spring day greeted friends and family of the University of Oklahoma High School Class of 2008. Twelve of the 20-member class received diplomas during a ceremony in Meacham Auditorium at the Oklahoma Memorial Union, located on the OU Norman campus. The ceremony was held May 16. 

Matt Hamilton, registrar and associate vice president for Enrollment and Student Financial Services at OU, gave the commencement address. He challenged the graduates to forego convenience for long term gain, to step out of their comfort zones and to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Never look down on people unless you are helping them up,” he said. “Planning liberates you to become who you want to be and achieve what you want to achieve.”

Friday’s event marked the seventh graduation for OU High School and the first time many of the students have met each other. They live in all parts of the state and the region, doing coursework online and e-mailing their teachers. 

Collectively, the OU High School class of 2008 earned more than $150,000 in scholarships and awards. Several graduates performed or spoke during the ceremony. 

Created in 2000, OU High School provides the opportunity for teenagers and adults to earn a fully accredited high school diploma through distance learning. OU is one of only eight universities in the country with a diploma-granting high school imbedded on its campus. OU serves approximately 150 students enrolled in its diploma program.