A fine Mustang tradition was repeated today as students at Redmond High School (RHS) began Homecoming weekend with a pep assembly and then the annual Round-Up.

“Round-Up has been around since the 1960s,” said RHS activities coordinator Myra Arnone. “During those years, students would bring their horses, dress up like Jesse James and Annie Oakley and participate in an assembly and several races, including a horse race.”

Though horses are no longer brought to the campus, “convivial school spirit is still the main theme,” said Arnone. “Round-Up takes a different form now. It is a giant fundraising and fun event for clubs and students alike and generates excitement for the Homecoming game and dance to follow.”

At the Round-Up, the RHS student body filled the courtyard and basked in the sunshine on this glorious Friday afternoon. More than 25 tables and booths were set up, representing various clubs and organizations.

Some sold food, t-shirts or trinkets to stir up school spirit.

The SPAM (Students Protesting Against Monotony) group offered students chances to fling water balloons at teachers, in turn for donations. During our visit, math teacher Sandy Hargraves, who joked, “They call me Mr. Hard Grades,” good-naturedly allowed students to “bring it on.” Many responded and gleefully hit their target. Good thing Hargraves was wearing a hard hat and rain gear.

Attendance counselor and cheer coach Cyndi Campbell, as well as Chris Cullen, program coordinator at Redmond’s Old Fire House Teen Center, were among the judges of a battle of the bands which began with a rousing performance by To Paint the Sky.

RHS drama students took “pies in the face,” or more accurately, paper plates liberally slathered with whipped cream — to raise funds for their fall musical, “Pippin.”

What sweeter way to celebrate autumn on Education Hill?