Oak Forest High School Kicks Off Its Football Season

I have to admit, I am not a huge football fan. Besides the season of the Chicago Bears winning the super bowl in 1986, I have not paid much attention to football.

The fact that my kids have become part of the Oak Forest High School Marching Band, persuaded me to reluctantly pay my entrance fee and enter the stands to cheer on my kids in their endeavor to entertain the football masses at half time.

I didn’t expect much as I found a spot amongst fellow band parents and football fans alike. The atmosphere was jovial to say the least before the game began.

There was a feeling of community which I really didn’t expect. As the music played over the loud speaker, I felt a unexpected sense of friendship amongst the people in the stands.

The night started with a parent tribute where the parents of all the varsity players took the field and meet their OFHS's football player with their helmet.

As the announcer called out the player’s name, their parent's name was followed. They walked across the field and handed their football helmet to each of their kids.

I watched from the stands as each mom and dad, walked across the field and handed their child their helmet in celebration of all the hard work and sacrifice which comes from, not only being a player but being a parent of a player. The stands were filled and people cheered as each name was called, both player and parents.

If that wasn’t enough to make you feel a part of something, the Oak Forest High School Band then took the field. In precise movements and practiced music, they took their places.

The Oak Forest Choir sang the National Anthem while the crowd stood up, hats at their chests and hands on their hearts. Everyone in the stands and on the field, beating as one.

I stood, feeling a part of something bigger than myself. I was so proud of not only being a parent, but just being a part of Oak Forest. I have to say, I was surprised at the emotion I felt as the band played the fight song, my kids in the band, fans singing out loud.

Then the game began. Football was played. Half time was a great show of cheerleaders and the OFHS band. The stands cheered. Parents were proud. Students talked. Popcorn was eaten.

The Oak Forest football team lost the game but it really didn’t matter in my mind. Being a part of Oak Forest, and being at that high school football game, gave me a new prospective of community and self.

You will find me in the stands at the next game, cheering for the Bengals.