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