Field Day! The whole school divides into two teams. Relays and other competitive activities earn points for each team and the points are totaled at the end of the field day event to determine the winner. It is an annual occurrence that happens in the spring, close to the end of the school year, though when it began, back in 1974 it happened in the fall.
In the beginning, Field Day was for The Lower School – which included grades six and below. At the end of the event, the “Upper School” students would join in a celebration or pep rally. The team colors have changed through the years. To start, the teams were the red team and the blue team as the school colors were red and royal blue. Since then, the team colors have been white and royal blue, white and navy blue, and only a few years ago did the team colors change to red and navy blue.
With the construction of the pool in 1974, it was only appropriate to include aquatics activities as part of the mix for Field Day. The pool is no longer a part of the agenda, but Tug of War, the Tire Relay, the Sack Race, Balloon Pop Relay and many others continue to withhold the test of time. In recent years, water games have also been added.
Though there is a tremendous amount of planning from a faculty member – most recently Director of Student Life Lulu Brase, the senior class is responsible for running the activities. They all wear t-shirts representing their destination after graduation – whether it be a college, university, or military service.
The Field Day usually culminates with food. In the past, members of administration would cook hamburgers and hotdogs. In recent years, students have been very happy with popsicles. Field Day has managed to mitigate time and remain one of the most treasured traditions of O’Neal.
Falcons Fly to 50
O’Neal is excited to share its history with readers as it quickly nears its 50th year in educating and cultivating youth in becoming successful, effective contributors to communities large and small. The official celebration starts school year 2021/2022. This weekly blog will focus on different aspects of the School as it grew through the years. With every entry, there is just as much more information to gather than what is already written. Readers who have been a part of the O’Neal community are encouraged to reach out and share their O’Neal memories. It is with great hope that the efforts of many in contributing information and photography can be published into a book for reflection and reference as the School continues to prosper for the next 50 years.
Please send your memoirs and photos to:
The O’Neal School
c/o Kathy Taylor, Director of Communications
P.O. Box 290
Southern Pines, NC 28388
Email: ktaylor@onealschool.org