By Kenyon Fears

What I Need (WINS) is a solution to students’ virtual struggles, and a way to increase Oyler Highschool’s graduation rate. This month, in addition to seniors, WINS becomes mandatory for juniors.

Students have made their plight clear: Virtual schooling is inferior to in-person public education. The staff of WINS have been working to solve this by making a safe public area for students to study and do work with actual teachers and staff.

“Even though the buildings are closed, I think seniors need a place to go, so they can be successful and have an adult monitoring them,” said Karen Kuhn, Oyler’s high school counselor.

WINS recently opened to juniors, taking place in the Al Hampton Room on Oyler’s first floor. It has brought support and motivation to students.

Eight staff members run WINS including Mr. Brian Talbert, Ms. Annie Bogenschutz, Mr. Bryan Hatcher, Kai Holston, Madeleine Scanlon, Mr. Chris O’Brien, Mr. Theurer and Mr. White. 

WINS has found that students that take part in it have increased their grades and daily attendance. Those that have not participated lack such improvements proving the tangibility and support of WINS is clearly helping students.

Students who need them are able to obtain bus cards from Ms. Kuhn so they can have easy transportation to WINS. Students who plan on taking part in WINS should keep in mind that COVID protocols in school are still followed in WINS. This includes wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, and of course, temperature checks.