Alanna LaDeaux

As normalcy returns to schools, teachers and students gauge how pandemic affected learning

by OIDJ Editor

By Alanna LaDeaux Edmond Santa Fe High School On an average day, most students wake up and get ready to go to school, but COVID-19 changed all that, leaving students at home with parents and making online learning the norm. Students had to adapt quickly, and the average day turned into opening a laptop for class instead of going to school. Oklahoma teachers and students were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic when the school year was interrupted by school closures followed by mask mandates and social distancing. Beginning in 2020, the pandemic interrupted three school semesters, affecting school in spring…

Award-winning debater, Laurein Drumm one to talk about for years to come

by OIDJ Editor

By Alanna LaDeauxEdmond Santa Fe High School When most people think of speech and debate, they think of confrontational, tough and argumentative forms of discussion. However, debate is also a way for students to express themselves in a friendly, competitive manner. Bixby senior Laurein Drumm is the No. 14-ranked debater in the state of Oklahoma, according to the National Speech & Debate Association. Laurein, originally from Verdigris Middle School moved to Bixby High School to pursue greater opportunities and challenge herself academically. At Bixby, Laurein got to further her talents in speech and debate. This eventually allowed her to develop…