A lot of people don’t know Apopka High School has its own Alumni Association. They’re a group of former students who loved their years at AHS so much they want to help our school improve, even post-graduation.
When asked how he would describe the Alumni Association, Treasurer Andy Heard said they are “…a group of alumni who care about the school and want to make sure that generations to come get the benefit of a great experience that we had.”
The Alumni Association is hosting a Pancake Supper and pep rally on September 22, 2023. It will be held in the AHS cafeteria from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. The event will feature nine celebrity alumni who played sports for AHS during their time here. The celebrity alumni will each take a turn speaking and giving advice.
These speakers include Warren Sapp, Brandon Meriweather, Rodney Brewer, Chandler Cox, Brent Bartholomew, Mark Murray, Aaron Jones, Derrick Clark, and Chaz Williams.
Warren Sapp was born in Plymouth, Florida, and graduated from Apopka High School in 1991. He attended the University of Miami and played football with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a Defensive Tackle and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brandon Meriweather was born here in Apopka, Florida and graduated from AHS in 2002. He also attended the University of Miami and played for the Miami Hurricanes. His former job as a football safety saw him on the field as the last line of defense against big plays for the New England Patriots. Rodney Brewer is a former Florida Gator and St. Louis Cardinal professional baseball player. He was first baseman and outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was born in Eustis, Florida, and played on the AHS baseball team. Chandler Cox is a former fullback for the Miami Dolphins. He was born in Apopka, Florida, and graduated from AHS in 2015. He was a four year starter for Apopka High School playing for the state championship in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Brent Bartholomew is a former American football punter. He played for the Miami Dolphins and attended Ohio State University. Mark Murray was born in Apopka, Florida. He was a linebacker for the Denver Broncos. Aaron Jones attended Eastern Kentucky University. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins. Derrick Clark attended Evangel College and is a former running back for the Denver Broncos. Chaz Williams attended Georgia Southern College and played for the Green Bay Packers. He was a quarterback, then moved to running back.
Tickets for the Pancake Supper are $5 pre-sale and $7 cash at the door. When asked what the funds earned will go to, Andy Heard responded, “We’re going to use the funds for our grants program…We just want to give the school areas like sports, clubs and academic areas a little hand up to make their areas operate better with a little extra assistance this year…”
You may be asking, “Why a pancake supper?” The Blue and White was also curious and asked Stacie Clemens, Alumni Association Secretary, the same question. She responded, “…Holding this event gave us the opportunity to bring back a tradition with the pancake dinner.” Andy Heard said something similar in response to this question; he mentioned having this event will bring back nostalgic memories, especially for former students.
The Alumni Association is very excited about their pancake supper and really hope to see you there! For more information about this event and the Alumni Association in general, check out their website https://www.apopkaalumni.com/ .
