OCEAN CITY — Old school? New school? Did you even know about the first school?
The Ocean City community is rooted deep in tradition. From the generations that vacation in Ocean City every summer to relive memories from years past, and wanting to instill the love of the seaside town with future generations.
Those same traditions are worn by the alumni of OCHS — like the feeling of wearing your favorite beach patrol sweatshirt. The fading or holes in the shirt only represent the pride in showing off your school spirit.
If you attend an event held by the OCHS Alumni Association, you are bound to see an alum wearing their “I’m From the Old School” shirts. The shirts bear an outline of the school that once stood across the street from the current school. The one where the famous archway still stands.
One can debate which school was better — whose class had the best athletes, presented the best school play or who had the most students enter the military. Regardless of the school you support or the decade when you graduated, the one constant is that we all bleed red and white.
We are proud to talk about our alma mater, OCHS. You know, the high school on the beach. The one where gym classes are often held on the boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean and whose graduation pictures have a ferris wheel in the background.
Whether you played on the old grass football field or the newer turf multipurpose field, we are all proud Red Raiders.
The first graduating class of Ocean City High School was in 1904 — six students who attended a school building located at Central Avenue between Eighth and Ninth streets.
A second building was constructed at the same site — the current home of the Ocean City Police Department and municipal court complex — where students attended through 1924.
The first high school built between Fifth and Sixth streets and Atlantic and Ocean avenues was actually designed by an OCHS alumnus. That building saw many additions and renovations until it was replaced by the current building, which opened for the 2004-05 school year.
The history of the school is closely tied to the development and growth of Ocean City as a tourism resort. As the town population grew, so, too, did the schools. Throughout the expansion of the school district, the town’s commitment to providing education for the youth of Ocean City has remained strong.
Ocean City High School has a strong academic tradition and consistently performs well in state and national assessments. The school offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. It has a rich tradition of athletic excellence, and offers a wide variety of clubs, organizations and cultural activities.
Ocean City High School has always been an integral part of the community. It plays a role not only in educating students but also fostering a sense of community pride and involvement. The same pride we celebrate during 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.
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.
Visit the Ocean City High School Alumni Association Facebook page for more information.