Alyson Bernal

Oklahoma Panhandle State University freshman Alyson Bernal, a native of Guymon, Oklahoma, and history major, is the first student to contribute original research to Our Nowhere: Panhandle Histories, a public and digital history project dedicated to uncovering the stories of the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles.

This January, Bernal took on a chilling local mystery: the rumored hauntings at Academy Elementary School in Guymon. Through in-depth interviews with staff and community members and extensive historical research, she compiled her findings into a captivating podcast episode. Since its release, the episode has sparked widespread intrigue, amassing nearly 500 downloads in a single day.

“Alyson’s work has certainly excited popular imaginations,” said Dr. Gary Girod, co-chair of the project. “She is the first student to work with us, but she won’t be the last. Our Nowhere is designed for our students. We pay them to conduct original research and create episodes in a format that best suits their interests—whether it’s interviews, presentations, roundtables, or scripted dramas. It’s a fantastic résumé builder, incorporating public presentation skills, digital media production, and creative storytelling. Plus, did I mention we pay our students for their work?”

Dr. Rebekah Wagenbach, co-chair of the project, expressed excitement over the episode’s success. “We’re thrilled at how popular it is! Ghost stories and true crime always capture people’s attention, and we hope students listening will feel inspired to get involved. This project offers them a unique opportunity to develop essential workplace skills while having fun.”

Our Nowhere: Panhandle Histories features an ongoing series exploring the region’s past, from the age of dinosaurs to modern-day stories, alongside special episodes like Bernal’s haunted school investigation.

Listen to Alyson Bernal’s episode today and experience the history that keeps locals up at night.

For more information or to get involved with Our Nowhere: Panhandle Histories, contact Dr. Girod at ggirod@opsu.edu.