The mission of the Overbrook High School Alumni Association is to foster unwavering loyalty and support in Overbrook’s enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and tradition. We are dedicated to building and sustaining strong, lifelong connections amongst alumni, supporters, and friends by offering opportunities to engage in educational, professional, social, and community activities that honor and elevate our shared history. Together, we strengthen the bond between Overbrook and its graduates, ensuring the spirit of Panther Pride thrives for generations to come.
Our Vision
The Association will establish, promote and maintain positive and interactive relationships between members, future members and Overbrook High School. As a voice faithful to the mission of Overbrook High School, the Association pledges to identify opportunities to:
Provide alumni with network functions to build and maintain positive working relationships with each other and Overbrook High School through various events and programs which the Association shall conduct in the best interest of Overbrook High School, students, and members of the Association.
Raise awareness of and promote the Association to current and future members.
Promote and facilitate the Association’s services and develop opportunities that will support and benefit its members and the mission of Overbrook High School.
The Association will establish, promote and maintain positive and interactive relationships between members, future members and Overbrook High School. As a voice faithful to the mission of Overbrook High School, the Association pledges to identify opportunities to:
Provide alumni with network functions to build and maintain positive working relationships with each other and Overbrook High School through various events and programs which the Association shall conduct in the best interest of Overbrook High School, students, and members of the Association.
Promote and facilitate the Association’s services and develop opportunities that will support and benefit its members and the mission of Overbrook High School.
Raise awareness of and promote the Association to current and future members.
Our History.
In 1988, a conversation between Overbrook alumnus, teacher, and coach Fred Rosenfeld (Class of '63) and Principal Dr. Diane Scott sparked the beginning of it all. Reflecting on Overbrook’s rich athletic legacy, they realized that creating an Athletic Alumni Association was long overdue. With a shared vision of strengthening connections between alumni and students, Dr. Scott generously provided $2,000 in seed money to kickstart the project.
Coach Rosenfeld, affectionately known as “Mr. Rose,” began reaching out to former Overbrook athletes. Early efforts, including radio announcements, fell short. However, persistence paid off when a billboard company’s Public Service Department agreed to place 10 billboards across the area, spreading the word without breaking the budget. The iconic orange and black signs soon drew in alumni eager to reconnect.
The response was overwhelming. Over 125 enthusiastic former Overbrook athletes attended a meeting at St. Joseph’s University, which felt more like a joyful reunion filled with hugs, tears, and shared memories. During that gathering, Coach Rosenfeld laid out his vision for the newly formed Overbrook High School Athletic Alumni Association (OHSAAA). The excitement in the room was palpable, with many alumni stepping forward to help bring this dream to life.
Driven by passion, a dedicated group of alumni formed a Board of Directors and organized various committees to make the OHSAAA a reality. Founding members like Gene Levin, Jimmy Sadler, Mel Brodsky, Winston Williams, Delores Hamilton-Davis, and many others rallied together to build what they called a “project of love.”
In 1991, their efforts culminated in the first OHSAAA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in a packed Overbrook High School auditorium. The legendary Wilt Chamberlain (Class of '55) headlined the inaugural class, joined by Jackie Moore (’50), Ira Davis (’54), and Cliff Calvert (’32). It was a celebration of excellence that brought together students, alumni, and honored guests in an unforgettable event.
As the Association grew, it evolved to serve all alumni, not just athletes, becoming the Overbrook High School Alumni Association (OHSAA). Leadership passed through the hands of dedicated alumni like Fred Rosenfeld, John Barber, and Janine Gant (’78), the first woman to serve as President. Today, under the leadership of Wayne D. Crawford, OHSAA continues to build on this legacy, honoring Overbrook’s rich history while forging connections for the future.
The 2019 Hall of Fame Banquet marked the 28th celebration of this cherished tradition. Over the years, nearly 90 distinguished alumni have been honored with plaques proudly displayed in the second-floor marble hallway at "The Brook." Although the 2020 banquet was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OHSAA is eagerly planning a grand gala event to celebrate this milestone, contingent on current health guidelines.
The Annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, along with The Sam Cozen Golf Tournament, remains a cornerstone fundraising event, providing over $75,000 in scholarships for deserving Overbrook graduates. This vital initiative, still organized by founding OHSAA member Howie Horenstein, continues to make a lasting impact. For more information on this event and how you can get involved, please explore our website.
The OHS Anthem
Upon the hilltop’s graceful height, her spires against the blue.
There stands a school legend bright, of inspiration true,
A school whose halls so brightly glow, with learning’s eager flame,
Whose sons and daughters proudly show allegiance to her name.
(Chorus)
Hail to thee Overbrook High – thy memory we shall hold dear
Forever we shall cherish thee, thy lustrous name revere.
