SPHS Using Michael Oher Book for Inspiration

The student body, faculty and staff at Severna Park High School (SPHS) have turned into book worms, thanks to 2,100 free copies of the book "I Beat the Odds-From Homelessness to the Blind Side and Beyond" by Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher.

The story of triumph has become the center and inspiration of this year's STAR program at the school, titled "1 Book, 1 School, 1 STAR."

Marianne Fitzgerald, SPHS media specialist, selected Oher’s inspirational story to be the focal point of the fifth annual STAR or Students Taking Action Responsibly program.

The book giveaway was made possible by funds donated by the school's PTSO, Athletic and Drama Boosters, the SPHS counseling Center, the SGA, the SPHS physical education department and the National Honor Society. The school also received a book discount, from Oher’s publisher, Gotham Books. 

To compliment the message of inspiration, a school-wide book club, a creativity contest and a fundraiser are part of the package for the students  —along with a visit by Oher on April 17 to discuss his book.

Oher became famous for his true life story as told in the movie "The Blind Side".

"Our goal is for our students to improve decision-making strategies, enhance self-esteem, increase the use of social support resources and prevent destructive behaviors," said Vicky Wuest, SPHS counselor in an email to Patch.

"I Beat the Odds" by Michael Oher references each of these goals, she said.

According to a press release, STAR was created by Wuest, school psychologist Alex Meyer and supported by former SPHS PTSO president Gwen Harring (2008) in the wake of several area teens who had taken their own lives.

Inspiration is this year's theme to the STAR program with students exploring “What Inspires You?” via weekly advisories, class discussions and morning announcements, said Wuest in an email to Patch.

According to a press release, here are the STAR activities:

• STAR Inspiration Contest: An opportunity for students to share what inspires them in their own creative way. Whether through an essay, song, video, artwork or another outlet, this contest will give students a chance to share their inspiration with others. The deadline for entering is 3 p.m. March 22, 2012. Applications for entry are available in the SPHS counseling center. 

• STAR Inspire Change: A fundraiser to support the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club, an organization highlighted in "I Beat the Odds." Students are asked to donate loose change to help others through April 20 in the school lobby. Donations will be taken online in the near future.

Visit www.severnaparkhigh.org, to learn more about this year's STAR program, as well as follow along with the book discussion questions. 

They are available through a link on the home page as well as http://severnaparkhigh.org/counseling-center/star-program.

If you have any questions about the program, call the SPHS counseling center at 410.544.7591.