For senior athletes and their families who have lived in the county for more than 20 years, “Patriot Pride” runs deep.
“This place is made because of the people,” said Richard Wisham, softball announcer and parent of softball senior Emily Wisham. “There's a lot of good people here from different walks of life, rich, poor, indifferent, you name it. They all seem to come out, support the kids, support the teachers, the faculty, the staff, the athletics.”
The phrase Patriot Pride has become shorthand for the school’s connection to its athletes, local businesses and families, but what does it actually mean?
For senior volleyball player Nora Turner, it means dedication to the red and blue.
“I think it means just in whatever you do for your school, you give it your all, and you're very proud to be a Patriot, and you just want to wear the Patriot name with pride,” she said.
Other senior OCHS athletes agree:
“Just being there and being loud for your team and your school, and showing out for them,” Haley Matthews said.
“To me, it means that like family and teammates and community just coming together and showing support to each other and cheering each other on,” Zharia Burgess said.
“Patriot Pride to me means being proud of what we have built at this school, sports-wise and academic-wise,” Emily Wisham said.
- “It means to me being teammates and working together and just being proud of it,” Khloe Eidson said.
Turner and Matthews said they experienced immense support when the team won the state championship last year. The community showed up with a parade before the championship. Angie, Matthews’ mother, said the entire school attended.
“It means a lot that the community will rally together to support a group of young ladies going to do something they love and taking home a big win from it,” Nora Turner said. “It means a lot that the community supports us.”
Turner and Matthews are both third-generation Patriots.
“I don’t think we could do it any other way,” Jason Turner said. “I don't think I could live in a surrounding county, another place, and have my kids not have the experiences that I had here.”
The businesses are also loud and proud this year, something Patti Turner remembered from her days as a Patriot.
“This year, the businesses have really come together, which is what they used to do when we were in high school, and then that kind of just stopped,” she said. “But this year, they’ve started by painting their windows and supporting the teams, and that’s awesome, because we support all the teams here.”
Team support extends outside of county lines. Eidson said Oglethorpe County fans travel well.
“They’re very supportive,” she said. “Even on the away games, they’ll still show up. It doesn’t have to just be a home game.”
Not only do the fans travel well, but they also support every athlete, not just their own kids. Patriot Pride shows up for Eidson when parents cheer on everyone.
It’s the goal to be tight-knit for many Patriots, and this year’s seniors have experienced that.
“We are a family,” said Carrie Frady, Burgess’ mother. “If a child needs help getting to practice, or really anything, (the community) is a team. I wouldn't have chosen a different school system or community to raise my kids in.”