Pantherfest kicks off 2019-2020 school year [SLIDESHOW]

September 6, 2019

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Editor’s Note: Lizzy Sorensen, the secondary author of this article, is a member of the dance team that performed at Panther Fest. She aided in the writing and editing of the following article, but not the reporting or photography.

Pantherfest was held at Oswego High School on Aug. 23 in order to raise money for school athletics. Some of the festivities included sport scrimmages, games, and performances by band, choir and dance teams. Additionally, there were various tents set up by different sports teams and businesses, including Jimmy Johns, Chick-Fil-A, and Freddie’s Off The Chain Catering.

One of the tents set up by the Marines had a curl-up bar where people could test their upper body strength. This prompted hordes of people to flock to where they set up to exercise and learn more about the Marine Corps. The Marines present displayed strong support for the branch.

“[The Marines is] the best branch that the United States military has,” Private First Class Connor Wells said.

Amongst the other tents were the Pantherettes, who brought a popular face-painting station to the event. The Pantherettes are the recreational and competitive dance team with members from OHS. The members showed their support for the school through their participation.

“I have been dancing since I was about 3 years old, and I wanted to get involved at the community at OHS, so I thought this would be a great opportunity,” junior Katie McCumber said.

Other Pantherettes displayed similar feelings of gratitude for the team.

“I think that the OHS dance team is honestly one of the best things that has helped me kind of get involved in the school and get comfortable with it,” sophomore Sophie Saunders said.

Other sports, such as the Co-Op Swim Team, were present at the Pantherfest festivities as well. Despite the fact that Oswego High School doesn’t have a pool to swim in, they don’t let that stop them.

“We swim at [Oswego East High School]…a lot of us just drive there with our own cars or we carpool; they also offer a bus that goes from OHS to OEHS,” senior swimmer Garrett Patrick O’Grady said.

Their tent gained a lot of attention and spread awareness to possible future members.

All of the teams and organizations that showed up to kick off the school year were very much appreciated. Scroll through the slideshow below to see pictures from the event!

The color guard waves its colorful flags as the band plays along next to them. Despite the wind, they remain professional with no noticeable mistakes.
A view of the event from the top of Ken Pickerill stadium. What a big turnout!
The OHS acapella choir perform the National Anthem to the crowds as members of the military march in the background. The Acapella Choir is met with cheers and applause as it finishes.
The OHS football team shows off its skills during its scrimmage. A huge crowd watches as the athletes play against each other.
A giant inflatable panther head towers over the football field. This is just before the team comes out to play near the end of the event
Soldiers in the Marines attract a large crowd to their tent, where people can practice their curl-ups. Private First Class Connor Wells said that he felt like “college was holding me back,” so he decided to join the military and hasn't regretted it.
A dog named Bane enjoys love and affection from Pantherfest attendees. He is very calm and well behaved throughout the event.
The JV dance team performs its show-stopping choreography to “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark” by Fall Out Boy. The team also had a tent set up with a face painting station.
Various sponsors set up shop across the field (shown here: Athletico Physical Therapy and Metronet). The majority of those set up are run by various sports teams in order to raise money.
Freddie’s Off The Chain Catering sells Mexican food to a hungry crowd. They move at a fast and efficient pace to ensure people get their orders.
Jimmy Johns and Chick-Fil-A graciously sell food during the event. Jimmy Johns utilizes its close proximity to the school by calling the restaurant when someone orders and then delivering the food to the festival grounds.
The Oswego Fire Department arrives to hang the American flag over the marching band. The National Anthem is performed in front of it by the Acapella Choir and receives thunderous applause.
The OHS band performs songs in front of a large audience of people. They play songs like “Hey Baby,” “Jungle Boogie,” and more.
Students and faculty take advantage of the shade under one of the tents as the sun beats down. Despite the fact that Pantherfest started at 4:30 p.m., by the time the varsity football game started, the temperature had dropped.
The OHS cheer team performs in front of a large audience during the game. The cheerleaders showcased their school spirit and energy throughout the game.