Oak Park High School’s very first rally for the 2025-2026 school year was held Sept. 19 in the gym. In line with OPHS tradition, the seniors wore white while everyone else wore their class colors. 

Students from each grade level participated in Hamster Soccer Ball, Musical Chairs, and a relay. Starting with the Hamster Soccer Ball game, Hirod Busheri for the sophomores took many hits but eventually made a goal in one, securing the win for the Sophomore and Senior team. 

Cheer and dance performed between each game, cheer sporting their blue, yellow, green, and white/gold ribbons. Dance had their bedazzled hoodies, studded with crystals on the back.

In musical chairs, Angus Rein and Hunter Lee were the last standing seniors, followed by the sophomore classes Sophia Vargas holding on until 3rd place. She later stated that “it felt amazing to be able to compete against the seniors.” Hendrix Hoffa also participated in the game, Vargas and Hoffa were the sophomore classes 2025 homecoming nominees. Lee and Emily Caranzza along with Rein and Lexi Lavintman and Roye Willis and Andrea Mise are competing for the homecoming queen and king at tomorrow’s football game. 

Following shortly after, the Relay finished off the rally, with the Juniors counting down the win. Their team consisted of Rey Sadahiro, Nevada Ford, Maurus Humig, and Louis Liu, they secured the only game the juniors ended up winning. One of the participants in the game was determined to win, and said this, “it was really fun, you know? My main goal was to beat the freshmen and we did that.” 

Today’s homecoming rally was a great kick off to the new school year and it’s a great build up to tonight’s football game. The OPHS Eagles brought spirit to the school year, exciting freshmen and leading the seniors into their last year.