Cowboy Pride: Cooper City High School celebrates its 50th anniversary

Cowboy Pride

Cooper City High School celebrates its 50th anniversary

Cooper City High School’s “tradition of excellence” was highlighted at its 50th anniversary celebration. Founded in 1971, the school reflected on its history and growth. CCHS alumni were invited back to Cooper City to celebrate homecoming at their former high school. The celebration took place during the school’s homecoming week. The celebration kicked off at the CCHS homecoming football game, which took place on Friday, October 15. Members of the CCHS community arrived on campus at 5 p.m. for a preparty. The event had music, games, photo booths and food trucks. Current and former CCHS students roamed the stadium up until kickoff. Attendees took group pictures, played cornhole and bought food from vendors such as Clutch Coffee. Fans were decked out in their Cowboy colors of red, black and white, and alumni were invited to join the Sound of Pride halftime performance. The 50th anniversary celebration continued the following day. CCHS alumni were invited back to CCHS onthe morning of the homecoming 12 news dance. The school opened its doors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 16 for campus tours. The event was organized by the AICE Travel and Tourism class. As part of the course’s curriculum, the students are required to organize and host a large-scale event. The class saw the school’s 50th anniversary as the perfect opportunity to plan an event. “The 50 year anniversary was a great success,” AICE Travel and Tourism student Jerry Valdez said. “It was so good to see all the alumni come together and see their old school.” Over 50 CCHS alumni attended the event. The attendees were guided through the campus, which has undergone a series of substantial renovations over the course of the school’s history. For many alumni, the current campus has been completely transformed. “The school has changed a lot; they have added so many new buildings, a swimming pool and best of all a football field with lights to enjoy home games,” ESE Department Chair and event organizer Nicole Hicks said. “But the Cowboy spirit still remains the same with the students.” The red awning housed high top tables and 50th anniversary decorations. On the outdoor stage, the band performed for the guests as they enjoyed food and refreshments. The event featured contributions from the current student body as well. In the gym, representatives from each organization on campus set up booths to showcase the history of their clubs and sports. Alumni were able to talk to members of the groups they were once a part of. Aside from the alumni, the event featured many esteemed guests. New Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Interim Superintendent Vickie Cartwright made an appearance. She met with Principal Perkovic and thanked the CCHS student body for its contributions to the community as a whole. “It was such a pleasure to meet Principal Perkovic and staff members during Cooper City High School’s 50th Anniversary Celebration,” Cartwright said.

BY KAYLA GATES

50th Anniversary Celebration

Throughout the month of October, CCHS put on several events to celebrate the anniversary of the school, including the Homecoming game and a 50th anniversary alumni event.

Photos by Melissa Sarosi, Emily Moreno, Shira Aroshas and Elena Ashburn