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OPHS homecoming spirit: Timeline of behind-the-scenes preparation

OPHS homecoming spirit: Timeline of behind-the-scenes preparation

Highlighting the unseen effort put forward by the student body – ranging from sports teams to ASB – to enhance the experience of the homecoming events
Cheer Preparation

Before the homecoming football game, the OPHS cheerleaders practice their routine throughout the week – perfecting their routine. Eventually, they have the opportunity to perform at the rally:

“The day of the rally we go into the weightroom – everyone’s expected to be there – and we practice,” said junior Chloe St. Laurent. “We run it through about twice, and then go to the gym and practice once before everyone gets there.”

The rally show serves as a realistic rehearsal for the upcoming football game. Additionally, the cheer team has a chance to reach students that would otherwise be unable to attend the football game. 

Marching Band Preparation
Marching band arranges the positions of their musicians.
Marching band arranges the positions of their musicians. (Photo by Alexander Drescher)

Last week, the marching band practiced consistently for the homecoming football game on Friday Sept. 19, preparing to commence the event with an opening performance. Practice ran Tuesdays through Thursdays, where band members rehearsed their music and choreography.

“We make sure to review our music and drill every time we have practice so as to have an amazing performance,” said senior Sarfaraz Mohammad. 

Although the weather was hot and practice was long, “simply being with the people in our band and having a fun time” was enough for Mohammad and his teammates.

ASB students hang up rally posters on the gymnasium walls of the freshman section.
Rally Preparation

ASB manages all school spirit activities surrounding homecoming, including the rally. The first rally of the school year was a defining moment for the new ASB governing body – who oversaw the games, music for the event and coordination of routines for cheer, dance and marching band. 

“We have to meet with the company that does all the lighting and music, and then give them the cheer music and dance music,” said rally chair Mahad Mahmood. “We have to show them the different walkout songs we want for each of the participants.”

After the blocking and logistics of the event are finalized, ASB holds a participant meeting the week of the rally where “all the participants from all the grades and all the games and all the band people […] assemble,” and are presented with an outline of the rally and their roles. 

Then, on the morning of the rally, ASB decorates the gymnasium with over 120 posters, covering the walls with blocks of yellow, blue, green and red; the rally amplifies school spirit and adds a touch of intergrade competition, building excitement for the homecoming dance. 

ASB students hang up rally posters on the gymnasium walls of the freshman section. (Photo by Leonardo Castaneda/The Talon)
Football Preparation
On Sept. 19, the rally begins. With low lighting, and a noisy student crowd, senior Mahad Mahmood (far left photo) announces the rally events with his host partner, junior Carter Lincht. OPHS cheer (far right photo) also steps onto the gymnasium floor, presenting their routine to the student body.
Rally Event
On Sept. 19, the rally begins. With low lighting, and a noisy student crowd, senior Mahad Mahmood (far left photo) announces the rally events with his host partner, junior Carter Lincht. OPHS cheer (far right photo) also steps onto the gymnasium floor, presenting their routine to the student body. (Photos by Jackson Thayer/OPHS Flicks)
Decorated OPHS themed car parks at the tailgate.
Tailgate Event

The OPHS 3rd annual tailgate event took place on Sept. 19, inviting families, students and children to the OPHS parking, where community sparked connection and spread school spirit. The Athletic Booster Club organized the event to congratulate athletic programs and represent student athletes through the fall athlete parade. The tailgate preceded the OPHS homecoming football game, brewing excitement for the match.

Decorated OPHS themed car parks at the tailgate. (Photo by Gabriella Paul and Kelsey Frieborn/The Talon)
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