Oly Norris, teacher of US History, Government, and ROP Business Management won the well-deserved Teacher of the Year award. He is a rad guy who loves the band Fugazi, quotes The “Big Lebowski” at any chance possible, and is so hip with it, he used to go to punk rock clubs in Tiajuana as a high school student. He knocked my socks off. Literally, they are on the ground. So I sat down to go in depth about his ‘rootz’ and about becoming a teacher.
Why do you think you were chosen?
I have been teaching for seven years at SDA. To me, teachers equal respect. I teach the ROP Business Management Class which tends the Mosaic café, so for me the class is out there in the public eye. Everything a student creates or studies is open for the campus to see and appreciate in the class. In the class we all take risks to create and learn.
What made you want to become a teacher?
Being exposed to really good teachers as a kid made me want to become a teacher. It was not as common back when I was a kid to have good quality teachers. Mr. Brenan and Mrs. McClusky were two influential teachers when I was a student at SDA. They impacted my life. Also, my grandma and big sis were passionate teachers. Growing up, I respected them and looked up to them.
What is the most rewarding thing about teaching?
The students. Not being surrounded by adults in an office. The energy people bring to the classroom. It’s awesome to be able to teach and then see the kids apply it to the world around them.
What were you like as a student?
I didn’t take advantage of what SDA had to offer. Fun, family, and friends took priority. I wish I had put education on the same level. College was definitely a push for full potential.
What was your most memorable class?
The first ROP business class in 2011-12 because we had the opportunity to transform the blank slate of the Mustang Center. The class really brought the mentality of SDA where kids from culinary arts and screen printing and art all just came together and were all super passionate about the project. Also, my AP US history class in ’07 because many of the kids on the surf team were in the class and our team won two national titles that year and went on a trip to South America. It was real special.
Best memory of SDA as a student?
Grad night for sure. The light clicked on how special this place [SDA] was. Until this night, I didn’t have a full appreciation for the soul of this campus. It was like post-senior nostalgia. An all-night-er and last time on campus.
How has SDA changed the most?
SDA went from in the 70’s being about football to in the 80’s and 90’s being a surfing powerhouse then to jewelry making and skate PE and transformed into yoga PE and culinary arts. SDA is change and we are a culture of change. We adapt. The thing that remains the same is community. We are not a stagnant school.
What has SDA kept since the beginning?
We have kept the beach community soul. A diverse population of people moved for a common reason and SDA still retains the common feeling. Since I’ve started working here, I’ve noticed a level of respect in students and faculty. SDA students have always been known for taking risks and being creative.
What is your favorite local hang out?
Summertime down at Seaside, fishing and surfing. My ideal day would consist of breakfast at Captain Keno’s, lunch at Rico’s, and dinner on Glasgow Avenue at my mother’s house with a home cooked dinner.
Where do you surf?
Cardiff. I am a creature of comfort. Everyone I grew up with surfs down there. The places I surf are spiritual and communal, the farthest from elitist or locals only.
What’s your favorite movie?
I like highbrow and lowbrow movies. “Dumb & Dumber” is great but so is “The Big Lebowski.” All Coen Brother films because of the subtle humor and historical references.