#ASDShineBright Congratulations Chugiak High School Graduate Ozric (OZ) Sparks! Oz is a student who experiences multiple disabilities but does not let that define who he is as a person. Oz is someone who characterizes what it means to be a student-athlete, and student coming first. Over his four years at Chugiak High School, he has a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and strives to excel in the classroom.
Oz is one of the most intelligent, capable, dedicated, and personable young adults I have had the pleasure to work with. Oz has a vibrant and magnetic personality, which gives him the ability to interact and connect with anyone he encounters. He has an excellent rapport with all his peers, adults, and community members.
Oz is not only a standout student here at Chugiak High School, but a dedicated athlete. Oz played Varsity Football for two years, participated in two years of XC Skiing, and two years of Varsity track. He was also a Varsity swimmer for one. Outside of these sports he also participated in ROTC and Student Government, where he has been a leader in the Chugiak hallways.
As his teacher I have also witnessed his spirit and dedication to the community through non-profit organizations. Oz is part of and a sponsor for GORUCK. GORUCK is a organization that promotes camaraderie through working out and physical activity. When Oz is “Rucking” he is walking with a weighted backpack on his back. There is not a day that you won’t see Oz working out or “Rucking”. Oz is also part of an organization called Force Blue. Force Blue is project and group that unites the community of Special Operations veterans with the world of marine conservation for the betterment of both. Through Force Blue Oz has received his certification in scuba diving. He has also helped restore coral reefs, oceans, and even save many marine animals. Through all these activities both in and out of school, Oz was recognized by the NFL this past December, where he was personally invited to Superbowl LVI from commissioner Roger Goodell.
Through all this success Oz and his family would like to thank everyone in the Chugiak community for all they have done for Oz. All of these accomplishments of what Oz has achieved wouldn’t have been possible without Partner’s Club and an inclusion model at Chugiak High School. By getting Oz involved with his peers both in and outside of the classroom this has motivated Oz to achieve what he has today. Oz has even taken it upon himself to find a job at Mac’s Strength & Power gym in Eagle River, where he works part time. Oz plans to continue working there after high school and will continue his education at the Adult Community Transition Program.
- Kaleb Kuehn, Chugiak High School Special Education Teacher
We are proud of our ASD Graduates and will continue to post highlights of their accomplishments and leadership. Please help us congratulate and encourage Oz in his future endeavors! To watch ASD graduations online through our archive visit https://bit.ly/3uncfMr
Original source can be found here.
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