This fund supports Watauga High School in providing a scholarship award to a graduating senior who is an athlete of a varsity sport, in good academic standing, playing a noteworthy role in the community, and has a positive role in family relationships.
About Lan O’Loughlin
Lan O’Loughlin was a beloved science teacher and coach at Watauga High School in Boone, NC. He began his career at Watauga High School in 1979 after swimming and playing water polo competitively at a national level throughout childhood and college at Auburn University. O’Loughlin coached both men and women’s swimming, and for several years he also coached cross country and track and field. O’Loughlin was also the founder of the women’s cross country team.
Outside of the classroom, O’Loughlin organized the swimming component of the Watauga County Senior Games and was a member of the Watauga County Recreational Task Force. He also co-founded Mountain Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides transformative experiences and supports both Avery and Watauga County teenagers through volunteer service, challenging outdoor adventure, cultural outings, after-school academic support and mentorship.
In 2000 O’Loughlin was unexpectedly diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 cancer in the liver at age 46 and given just a few months to live. He died in 2003 after almost a three-year battle.
O’Loughlin was inducted into the Watauga County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Watauga High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. During his more than 20 years as a teacher and coach, he inspired students in the classroom to always pursue their personal best and supported their every effort with warmth and encouragement.
About the award
Originally established by the Booster Club at Watauga High School, the Lan O’Loughlin Personal Achievement Award was created to honor the qualities of personal effort, dedication, commitment, and self-sacrifice. The award recognizes the importance of these attributes in all aspects of a person’s life including academics, athletics, family relationships, and one’s role in the community.
This fund supports Watauga High School in providing a monetary award to a graduating senior who is an athlete of a varsity sport, in good academic standing, plays a noteworthy role in the community, and has a positive role in family relationships. Students are nominated by high school faculty and staff members.
{"title":"Lan O'Loughlin Personal Achievement Award","content":"<p>This fund supports Watauga High School in providing a scholarship award to a graduating senior who is an athlete of a varsity sport, in good academic standing, playing a noteworthy role in the community, and has a positive role in family relationships.<\/p>\r\n<h3>About Lan O’Loughlin<\/h3>\r\n<p><img style=\"border-width: 10px; margin: 10px 20px; float: left;\" src=\"https:\/\/nmcdn.io\/e186d21f8c7946a19faed23c3da2f0da\/7868d48393ef4e3bb7bca8cdf7bc2f20\/files\/Photo_Lan-OLoughlin_swimming-pool-with-athletes.jpg\" alt=\"Lan O'Loughlin coaching Watauga High School swim practice\" width=\"450\" height=\"247\" \/>Lan O’Loughlin was a beloved science teacher and coach at Watauga High School in Boone, NC. He began his career at Watauga High School in 1979 after swimming and playing water polo competitively at a national level throughout childhood and college at Auburn University. O’Loughlin coached both men and women’s swimming, and for several years he also coached cross country and track and field. O’Loughlin was also the founder of the women’s cross country team.<\/p>\r\n<p><br \/>Outside of the classroom, O’Loughlin organized the swimming component of the Watauga County Senior Games and was a member of the Watauga County Recreational Task Force. He also co-founded Mountain Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides transformative experiences and supports both Avery and Watauga County teenagers through volunteer service, challenging outdoor adventure, cultural outings, after-school academic support and mentorship.<\/p>\r\n<p>In 2000 O’Loughlin was unexpectedly diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 cancer in the liver at age 46 and given just a few months to live. He died in 2003 after almost a three-year battle.<\/p>\r\n<p>O’Loughlin was inducted into the Watauga County Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Watauga High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. During his more than 20 years as a teacher and coach, he inspired students in the classroom to always pursue their personal best and supported their every effort with warmth and encouragement.<\/p>\r\n<h3>About the award<\/h3>\r\n<p><img style=\"border-width: 10px; margin: 10px 20px; float: right;\" src=\"https:\/\/nmcdn.io\/e186d21f8c7946a19faed23c3da2f0da\/7868d48393ef4e3bb7bca8cdf7bc2f20\/files\/Lan-Carol-2003.png\" alt=\"Lan and Carol O'Loughlin\" width=\"450\" height=\"234\" \/>Originally established by the Booster Club at Watauga High School, the Lan O’Loughlin Personal Achievement Award was created to honor the qualities of personal effort, dedication, commitment, and self-sacrifice. The award recognizes the importance of these attributes in all aspects of a person’s life including academics, athletics, family relationships, and one’s role in the community.<\/p>\r\n<p><br \/>This fund supports Watauga High School in providing a monetary award to a graduating senior who is an athlete of a varsity sport, in good academic standing, plays a noteworthy role in the community, and has a positive role in family relationships. 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Lan O’Loughlin was a beloved science teacher and coach at Watauga High School in Boone, NC. He began his career at Watauga High School in 1979 after swimming and playing water polo competitively at a national level throughout childhood and college at Auburn University. O’Loughlin coached both men and women’s swimming, and for several years he also coached cross country and track and field. O’Loughlin was also the founder of the women’s cross country team.
Originally established by the Booster Club at Watauga High School, the Lan O’Loughlin Personal Achievement Award was created to honor the qualities of personal effort, dedication, commitment, and self-sacrifice. The award recognizes the importance of these attributes in all aspects of a person’s life including academics, athletics, family relationships, and one’s role in the community.