Sizing Up Small Schools: Olin

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Sizing Up Small Schools: Olin

By Josh Hinkle, Reporter

By Becky Ogann

OLIN - The march toward their last moments at Olin High left some students fearing the future. Others like Tara Paulsen and Justin Rix anticipated impacting it.

In her graduation address, valedictorian Paulsen reminded classmates of the rewards Olin offered.

"We would not have the wonderful qualities that coming from a small town and a small school gives us."

The graduating classes at Olin are not large by any means. This year, there are just 23 students. Next year, it's even smaller with just 14.

During the past few years, rumors arose that the school could close.

Paulsen says, "We weren't even sure at one point if my class was going to be able to graduate."

For every additional student, schools receive more money from the state. So as students and their families moved away, funding became a problem.

Principal Galen Noard says, "They go where the work is and without the manufacturing or the business in a smaller town, it's tough to keep the people here."

Some graduates will also leave Olin behind. With her academic background, Paulsen wanted to study pediatric medicine.

She says, "There's really no place I can work with what I want to do."

But occasionally, there are students like Rix who choose to stay.

He says, "I live on a farm five miles north of Olin here, and me and my brother will probably take over the farm there."

Rix says he knows a small town is not ideal for every person. But he also says attracting people to Olin will keep the school alive.

"I want to keep my roots here. I want to try to keep this school going as long as I can."

While the school found enough additional funding for now, administrators can't say that will last forever. But as another graduation goes by, the spirit of saving the school grows stronger.

Email Josh Hinkle at Josh.Hinkle@kcrg.com

Click here to view Josh's full blog.

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