Students, staff, and community members kicked off the school year with spirit this past Fri., Aug. 22nd, with the annual PantherFest celebration.
This display of talents across the board, whether it be band, color guard, sports, or clubs, shared with the school community the many opportunities OH offers.
As a back-to-school event, it was also a way for new and old friends to reconnect at the start of the year. “It’s a way people start connecting outside school,” said OH senior Logan Neives. “You’re not just solely talking to your friends during the school day, or just finding time outside of class to talk to them, so I think it’s great.”
PantherFest also featured tents and stands hosted by clubs and organizations to engage OH students, as well as provide opportunities for students to join or learn how to support the sports teams.
“Y’know, nobody’s here for just one thing,” Nieves added. “And if they are, they always find things to do. It’s very inclusive, [so students] don’t ever feel left out.”
Students from all grade levels, as well as upcoming freshmen from middle schools, come to enjoy the events that PantherFest has to offer, but older students still take part in attractions that might be designed for younger attendees.
“[I like] interacting with all the… things they have, like the bouncy house,” said OH senior Kyle Taylor, “even though I’m, like, almost a legal adult.”
Taylor also noted that “the track timing thing” was also fun because “like, you can race your friends and stuff, which is pretty cool.”
PantherFest offers not just students, but parents and younger children alike a view into what OH is all about. This provides just a small glimpse into the many activities that go on inside the building community daily.
“It also gives [insight] for middle schoolers who are going to high school in the next couple of years – they get to see what high school is and, like, the life outside of school and games.. or… clubs,” Taylor said.
“[PantherFest] is a pretty cool way to learn about the school’s culture,” Taylor added, smiling.
My name is Aster Lasher & I am a Senior at OHS
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I am a Senior at OHS and in my second year as a journalist. I am a podcast co-editor and a co-editor in chief and I am excited for my second year being a journalist for the school. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
