OCEAN CITY — Proud is a word we feel as alumnus of Ocean City High School — proud to call ourselves Red Raiders forever.
What makes a school leave such an indelible mark on our psyche?
Belonging. Is it a sense of belonging? High school is a formative period in our lives and where many first form strong connections and friendships. That leads to a sense of belonging and nostalgia when we think back to our high school years and is shown through our pride for our alma mater.
Shared experiences. The experiences we shared of high school, including classes, favorite teachers, extracurricular activities, social events and accomplishments, create a strong bond. Those influences and memories reflect a deep emotional connection to our school and the formative experiences it provided.
What experiences jump off the page for alum of Ocean City High School? Was it going to school with the students from Somers Point, Linwood and Northfield before Mainland High School opened? Was it a big rivalry game with that same battle of the bridge adversary?
Perhaps it was dances at the old Youth Center, beating Willingboro for the South Jersey Football championship or attending the rivalry game on Thanksgiving Day?
Maybe it was the first time you walked the boardwalk for gym class or stepped foot on the new turn field. Was it watching the police and fire department lead the school buses over the bridge as the field hockey team entered victorious from yet another state championship? Was it going to the Flanders Hotel for your prom or Senior Tea?
Could it have been participating in freshman field day, swimming in the old high school pool or watching a classmate jump into the stands at Carey Stadium to celebrate a score or victory?
Was it sending a classmate off to fight for our country or darkening the windows as the town was on alert for German submarine boats?
Was it a psyche dinner, snow day or helping the town clean up after Hurricane Sandy? Perchance it was your first boyfriend or girlfriend, or watching Mr. OCHS in the auditorium?
Could it have been your typing or home economics class, learning to play pickle ball in gym or your induction into the National Honor Society? Was it getting your Raider Nation T-shirt, the chill on even the warmest day watching a baseball game at the breezy Bay Avenue field, or the cool project you made in Mr. Nick’s wood shop class?
Was it seeing which class won the spirit link competition during the homecoming festivities, or sitting along Asbury Avenue to see who was crowned Miss Pumpkin? Perhaps it was attending a pep rally bonfire or getting your photo taken by the OCHS statue letters donated by the Class of 1964.
Nostalgia can play a significant role in alumni pride. People often look back fondly on their high school years, remembering friends, experiences and life lessons gained during that time.
The city of Ocean City has trademarked nostalgia as a marketing tool for generations that continue to vacation in America’s Greatest Family Resort. Ocean City High School is deeply ingrained in the community and is the source of an equal amount of nostalgia.
Many of the same traditions have transcended decades of classes and endured changes to the school facade and faces, helping create a strong sense of pride and connection to the school and town’s history and culture.
The pride we feel as Red Raiders reflects a deep emotional connection to our high school and the formative experiences it provided to alumni, and continues to deliver to current students.
The Ocean City High School Alumni Association is hoping to hold onto the great memories as it invites alumni to come out and celebrate all that is red and white during Red and White Alumni Weekend.
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.
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.
Visit the Ocean City High School Alumni Association Facebook page for more information.