Mask of student Alanis Craig, showing she is a very quiet person

Every year, Coach O’dell and his AP Psychology classes participate in an intriguing, and often heart wrenching, presentation that explores the shocking differences between a person’s outer appearance and inner qualities and flaws.  Obviously, the results can vary from the kid who put in no effort to the one who put his heart and soul into a mask that perfectly fits his personality.  “Some are very bland about their mask, but at times it gets really emotional in there, some people cry,” said senior Russell Buck, who has participated in the mask project.

Students are required to fetch a plain, white mask and have at it with flamboyant colors and trademark characteristics that make each mask and story unique.  For example, one student will draw a baseball and a heart on the outside to represent the sport he plays and how he is a flirt with all the girls; on the inside, he may provide examples of his future ambitions, such as money or a wife.  But every now and then, a student will spring at the opportunity to express himself.  A student may show on the outside of his or her mask examples of the student’s bright smile, extreme friendliness, or boasting confidence; but on the inside, the person is slowly being eaten alive by insecurity or addictions that have been hidden for years, and for whatever reason, chooses to unleash this information at school in front of 30 peers.

The chance to get it all out in the open and off one’s chest bodes well for many students.  Coach O’dell has created a big comfort zone for student to express themselves in, and for that reason, he takes teaching beyond the chalkboard.