Over the Weekend of November 21-23, many OHS students flocked to Boston to visit MIT Splash. MIT Splash is an annual conference held at MIT that offers classes on a range of topics, such as “Céad Míle Fáilte: An Introduction to Irish Dance,” “What Happens When You Throw a Squirrel into a Black Hole? And Other Important Questions,” and, taught by OHS’s very own Costanza R. and Emma D., “Fake Girlfriends, Infinite Kisses, etc: The Thoughts of a Roman Poet.” These classes ran all day Saturday and Sunday.

Students first met on Friday, after travelling to Cambridge with their parents. Friday night was the first annual OHS Homecoming Dance, complete with music, delicious desserts, and enough candy and coffee to keep OHSers awake even after lengthy plane flights. Although our Homecoming King and Queen could not attend, many elected members of the court were present. Court member and Student Council member Emma D. organized the event. “It was definitely just getting the chance to see everyone,” she said, “[to]meet people I’ve never met, and spend some quality time together. It was also really exciting to get to (hopefully) set some traditions.”

Saturday, Splash began. Students lined up to get their schedules and were off to their classes. Many students had similar lunches, and met together in the MIT Student Union to eat. Saturday afternoon saw the first-ever OHS Homecoming flag-football game. The game pitted juniors against seniors in a battle of epic proportion. Team coaches, Mr. Carlisle (seniors) and Mr. Saitta (juniors), guided students of all skill levels, until ultimately the senior team won. Parker D was named MVP following the game. Mace A., one of the students responsible for organizing the game, explained that the inspiration came from traditions atbrick-and-mortar schools. With plans for the Homecoming Dance in the works, they had decided that since most regular high schools have football games during Homecoming, OHS’s unique online presence was no reason not to have one of our own. After a few post-game classes, it was time for dinner at Flat Top Johnnys. While enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers, OHSers played pool and darts while parents mingled.

Leaving Sunday night was melancholy, as students said their goodbyes before travelling home by car or plane, with plenty of memories to look back on. As one senior, Garrett B., remarked in the days following, “Splash was far and away some of the most fun I’ve had at the OHS this year – second only to Summer Session!” If you missed Splash this year, be on the lookout next fall for information about this fun annual meet-up.

Categories: Arts & Culture