OUR TRADITION

The one common denominator of all Highland Park High School  graduates is the "Owl."  But what is the owl; this proud bird that represented all of us at one time or another in our high school sports history.

Owls are the birds of prey found all over the world (like our alumni). There are two owl families; the barn owl and the typical owl.  We are the barn owls and, more specifically, the "hoot owl." The hoot owl has smaller eyes and longer legs than the typical owl.  It is about 15" to 18" long.

The owl has powerful claws that closes over its prey like the jaws of a trap. Around its strong hooked bill are small curved feathers that form a ruff.  The eyes are large and help the owl to see better at night. The owl has better ears than any other bird.  The owl has soft furry edges to the flight feathers of its wings.  This makes its flight almost noiseless.  It hunts best at dawn or dusk or on moonlit nights.  After it locates its prey by sound, the owl attacks swiftly and directly and captures its prey with claws. Most owls swallow the small animal on which they live.

One may wonder how many of these qualities show in our character.  Owls are very determined, have great success in their lifespan and are known to be very loyal to their species.  Isn't it ironic that the Highland Park High School mascot typifies in many of us the characteristics of the owl.  Most of us are very successful in our career. 
Our graduates span the globe and we usually capture our goals.

When we look back on our high school athletic years, let us remember that the wise old "hoot owl" has had a tremendous impact on our lives.

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