A tragic event took place at Oxford High School in late November 2021. A school shooter took the lives of four Oxford students, injuring several others, including a teacher. The community, including schools across Michigan and the country, have been mourning and grieving alongside Oxford after this terrible ordeal. An administrator at Royal Oak Schools wanted to do more, he wanted to create an event to honor Oxford and show them that they are supported by not only their students and families but also by Royal Oak and schools across Michigan.
Brian Gordon, Interim Director of Athletics and Activities for Royal Oak, had a brainstorming session with Athletics Secretary, Pamela Moore, where they came up with an idea for an event on February 4 to kick off "Stand Up For Oxford."
Gordon made a few calls to the MIAAA (Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) and the MHSAA and got the plans in motion.
"Since Oxford is a member of our league, and we're a pretty tight athletic community, we wanted to do something to support them by using the power of sport," said Gordon. "I thought it would be cool to have every school in the state of Michigan, on a Friday night in February, all stand up together at the very same time to show our support and stance against school violence."
Gordon, along with the MHSAA, got Bob Artymovich with E.A. Graphics involved. Artymovich has created the Oxford Strong shirts that are available for families, community members, and students to wear on February 4 and all month long, and he's going to donate back money raised from each shirt sold to support the families and students affected by the shooting.
School districts can buy the shirts in groups to sell at their events, or shirts can be purchased privately with this link. Sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, and t-shirts are available.
On February 4, at 7 PM, students, families, administrators, teachers, community members, and more will "Stand Up" for Oxford. The Royal Oak Ravens Girls Basketball team will be playing at home that night against Stoney Creek.
**UPDATE** E.A. Graphics, together with the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, presented a check for $302,000 to Oxford High School Athletic Director Tony DeMare.
Read the full article with this link.