School administration and staff have been searching for a sense of normalcy for their students since March 2020. Almost all have conceded that “normal” has to be redefined.
Oakwood High School’s Principal Tim Lee and Student Council Advisor Teresa Cooper knew a lot would be lost, though, without Oakwood’s long-standing homecoming tradition in the fall.
“Homecoming is a big event at OHS because of the spirit generated by the students, staff, and community at Oakwood,” Lee said. “My history with it goes back to the late ’70s when the floats and parade were started. The amount of time, energy, and support that the community has shown for that event has continued to grow throughout the years. A big pep assembly, parade, and football game are now expected by our community and alumni. It is a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful to meet those expectations.”
Homecoming week at Oakwood is recognized throughout East Central Illinois for its showcase of school spirit. And while many school districts have bypassed their traditional events that go along with the annual football game filled with anticipation, Oakwood decided to just do something a little different, following COVID-19 guidelines.
“We thought it was important that we do something for the students to replace Homecoming, but weren’t sure what that would be,” Lee said. “We believe that Homecoming is crucial to the year-long spirit and camaraderie that Oakwood is known for.
“Normally, I brag on our school spirit as the Comets have risen to the occasion at many events, packing gyms and leading cheers. But that kind of spirit is fragile and needs to be maintained by the upperclassmen, staff, administration, and community. I’m worried that if we don’t hold those traditions in a year, that they will be difficult to re-start, and we will see a decline in school spirit because of that.”
School staff hopes that the younger students realize the novelty of the Oakwood homecoming tradition through the upperclassmen who have enjoyed the festivities in years past.
Standing outside on the school football field, Oakwood mustered up some school spirit. Normally they would cheer defeat against another high school, but this year, the Comets are kicking off against COVID-19.
Lee said that should the IHSA continue to allow football in the spring months, Oakwood may do something to go along with the homecoming game. But making it to October in the midst of a pandemic was reason enough to celebrate with students and the community.
“We didn’t want to take the chance that we would miss another opportunity,” he said. “If we are back in school in the spring, with a full slate of activities, I’m sure we will find some way to celebrate the Comets.”
Talk about school spirit began a few weeks ago with WIXY’s School Spirit Showdown. Oakwood has defeated Georgetown-Ridge Farm and went neck-to-neck with St. Joseph-Ogden High School this week. Oakwood was announced the winner of that match-up Friday. They will square-off with Bismarck-Henning Rossville-Alvin next week.
Oakwood students picked this year’s homecoming court. King candidates include: Dylan Bensyl. Koby Fletcher, Connor Hutson, Raiden Jackson, and Brevin Wells. Queen candidates include: Jalynn Bugaj, Nicole Key, Olivia McCarty, Mia Nash, and Graycen Young.
King and Queen will be named during Wednesday’s afternoon at Oakwood’s Cometfest activity which will include a water balloon toss, obstacle course, scavenger hunt and lipsync battle. Throughout the week, students will also be allowed to show their school spirit through dress up days and Oakwood will host a Carnival Game Night on Oct. 9.
“We will try and keep the kids separated as much as possible while still generating some spirit,” Lee said. “That will be tough.
“So far the student’s response has been positive but muted. We understand that. The kids have been great and I think they appreciate that we are trying to do something for them.”
The Comets know that the week isn’t just about the student inside the building. All classes have been encouraged to find a local charity to donate $500 of their float building money to. They will also hold a competition next week to see which class can bring the most canned food items in.
At some point, normal school activities will return. In the meantime, the Oakwood staff is just trying to provide ways for their students to have fun together and build community.
