Last week was homecoming at Oak Harbor High School and it gave the 1,800-plus students of Wildcat country an opportunity to show their pride in their school, their class and themselves.
The homecoming week began with a Hootenanny on Wednesday, during Oak Harbor’s all-school talent show that gives individuals and groups an opportunity to strut their stuff for the entertainment of the student body. The Hootenany was leadership chaired by Maggie Manucal. Friday afternoon a pep assembly honored the class of 1977 alumni, who celebrate their 25th reunion this year. Arne Forslund, an exchange student in 1977 who lived with Jean and Milo Benson, came all the way “home” from Sweden to attend the assembly and football game.
Activities chair for the pep assembly was Lindsey Terrett. Following the pep assembly the Oak Harbor High School ASB leadership hosted a tea for the class of 1977, chaired by Laura York.
Meeting at 6:45 p.m. Friday, the Snake Dance left the high school and worked its way down Whidbey Avenue to Memorial Stadium. Complete with an Oak Harbor Police Department escort, the Wildcats were led by the marching band. The homecoming royalty rode in convertibles driven by the Whidbey Cruzers Car Club.
The cheerleaders and each class had a float to show their pride. Soley Wilson of ASB leadership chaired the Snake Dance. The band and hundreds of students and parents made quite a racket on their journey, letting everyone know that the Wildcats were on the loose, looking to defeat some Bruins.
The opening ceremonies before the game against the Cascade Bruins held touching moments, including a moment of silence for Mert Waller, a long-time teacher and coach who passed away recently. Waller was a friend to the thousands of students he came in contact with during his decades of service at Oak Harbor High School. The Chamber Choir’s rendition of the National Anthem brought pride to everyone who heard it.
The pinnacle of homecoming week, the big game itself, had the Wildcats sending the Bruins scurrying back to their den, beaten and licking their wounds.
During halftime the crowd was entertained with tunes provided by the marching band as they transformed from formation to formation. During the presentation royalty, the court emerged from a giant football helmet and passed through the raised swords of the Navy JROTC honor guard.
Some might not have thought it the most likely victory dance, but the Wildcats were seen doing the Hokey Pokey in the center of the field after the game as they shook it all about.
Students spent days — if not weeks — preparing for the Saturday night homecoming dance. Imagine the long hall to Parker Hall full of students, dressed from the ultra-formal to silly with green clown wigs. All were doing their thing, showing their individuality while they greeted and visited as they waited for their turn for pictures or to get into the hall where dancing and serious socializing were happening.
The 1,100 students who attended the dance chaired by Holly Soyke surely had a great time, and no doubt took pride in producing a successful homecoming week for themselves and the community.
Homecoming
king & queen
Steve Marriot & Kellie Gamble
Senior
prince & princess
Dan VanDyke & Maggie Manucal
Junior
prince & princess
Eric Chalfant & Ashlee Davis
Sophomore
prince & princess
Andy Hinkley & Joan Gailo
Freshman
prince & princess
Matt Davidson & Natasha Dudley
