(This story was originally published in The Elevator in October, 2023.)

OCHS held their “Haunted Homecoming” Assembly this past Thursday, bringing students and staff alike into the gym for a community focused event.

After the Homecoming Court was introduced to the student body, the event shifted to another aspect of the event – Spirit Week. Students were asked to wear different themed outfits on each of the days leading up to the assembly, with the entire week culminating in a pie eating contest between grades, and an apple bobbing competition between members of staff to win spirit points.

“If school’s taught me one thing, it’s that if you do your homework, you’ll ace the test,” Mr. Walters said, explaining how his practice led to him winning the staff competition. “I just tossed [apples] in the tub, filled up the tub, and worked on my technique.”

That wasn’t the end of the school spirit festivities. The cheer team took center stage to perform – and surprisingly, they were joined by the OCHS football team.

“I was not expecting that to happen,” senior Dayton Cogswell commented. “I don’t think they prepared very much for it.”

As the assembly began winding down, the final spirit point scores were announced, with Seniors leading at 340 – at least, before the staff points were added. When added to their previous total of 78, the 350 points they gained from finishing the apple bobs quickly gives them a solid lead at 428 points.

To finish out the assembly, Principal Gregory Timmons addressed the students.

“Positive school culture is everything we do,” he said, thanking the student body for continuing to act as a community through the fall season. “This assembly was awesome!”