Editor’s note: This is a weekly column highlighting the Ocean City High School Alumni Association leading up to the 15th annual Red & White Weekend, which starts Oct. 12.
OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City High School Alumni Association began as the brainchild of two graduates who initially got together to highlight the work of alumni artists.
Ginny Cox Mulford, a 1970 graduate and later a popular OCHS art teacher, and Marcia Miller McCulley, a 1989 graduate and later executive director of Main Street Ocean City, decided downtown was the perfect place to showcase the artwork.
Shops offered to display various mediums of work and offer discounts. It all coalesced with an art show and party at the former Accent Gallery on Asbury Avenue, which was run alum Rody O’Rourke.
Through discussions and planning, the pair noted OCHS was an integral part of the community and, in addition to educating students, is the perfect vessel for fostering a sense of community pride and involvement. They thought more could be done in regards to school pride, leading to the creation of the alumni association.
Other alumni, such as Shawna Mulford, Amy Guiles Konick, Barb DiNardo and Ginny Megargee Bisignaro, soon joined the core group and created a mission.
Over the years, new members — such as Susan Rumer Peifer, Jennifer Crist Bowman, Amy Tolson Holmes, Troy Dawkins, Jane Miller Glenn, Denise Jessel Rossiter, Linda and Susan Reiser, Bob Gannon, Jim Nickles and many others — joined and assisted the group.
The activities have changed over the 15 years since the association formed, ranging from art shows to a parade, luncheons, wing nights, college care packages, alumni recognition, football game festivities and scholarships. The one constant is the pride of the association members and the goal to instill that same love in future generations of OCHS graduates.
This year, the association is hoping to get more alumni to take part in the activities and to act as ambassadors, spreading school and civic pride. The group welcomes new members and new ideas.
At the request of the school district, the celebration is tied to homecoming weekend, when the school crowns its new homecoming king and queen at halftime of the Red Raiders football game.
This year’s Red & White Weekend is set to begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, with a gathering at DiOrio’s Bar & Grill in Somers Point, an establishment with strong ties to OCHS and the unofficial Red Raider celebratory spot. Alumni, teachers and anyone who supports the school are welcome to partake in a buffet dinner and beverages, exchange stories and share in school and town pride. Cost is $25.
Prior to DiOrio’s, the association encourages alumni to attend the OCHS field hockey team’s “pink game” — an annual breast cancer awareness game that honors Mikenzie Helphenstine, a former coach, teacher and OCHS alumni who lost her battle with breast cancer and whose message carries on in her players and town: “’til you can’t.” The Red Raiders are set to face off against Cherokee at 4 p.m. on the turf at Carey Stadium.
The fun continues Friday with a tailgate event on the practice football field along the Sixth Street entrance. From 4 to 6 p.m., attendees will be served a meal featuring Sack O’ Subs, Johnson’s Popcorn and more; there is a $5 suggested donation per person. There will be music, face painting, games and characters courtesy of Let’s Party Events.
During the game, which is set to begin at 6 p.m., alumni will be invited on the field for the coin toss. Participants should sign in by 5:30 p.m. The game against Millville kicks off at 6 p.m.
The group is still seeking sponsors. Anyone interested should reach out to Marcia McCulley at (609) 425-2911. Current sponsors include AtlantiCare, Let’s Party Events, Johnson’s Popcorn, Sack O’ Subs and the Ocean City Fire Department. Special thanks to the city of Ocean City, Ocean City School District, DiOrio’s and the Ocean City Sentinel.