The 2025 Swine Week has been memorable for many students and teachers at Edmond Memorial High School, including both beloved traditions and newly-introduced events, ranging from the classic Teachers vs Students assembly to the new Car Show and Trey Kennedy comedy performance. Even though many consider this week to be one filled with fun and games, it is not just about entertainment for those who participate: all funds raised go toward two deserving nonprofit organizations.

The Comeback Kid Society, the main Swine Week recipient, provides transitional housing for those aging out of foster care with nowhere to go and no place to call home. The nonprofit also provides a community for those who have not experienced such support after spending their lives in the foster care system and being moved from home to home.

“With a resolute vision to break the detrimental cycles of poverty, abuse, incarceration and homelessness, we advocate for change and transformation,” The Comeback Kid Society website said. “Through our six core components which include Foster Youth Empowerment, Education, Juvenile Justice Reform, Workforce Development, Teen Homelessness and Mentoring programs, we are steadfast in providing our students with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to rewrite their narratives, overcome adversity and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

Upon entering the gym for the assembly, students immediately noticed the massive mural that students from various groups at Memorial have donated their time to for weeks: PiggyVision. This mural encompasses the entirety of the past week, specifically the theme and dress-up days. More specifically, it also stands as a reminder of the countless hours and effort put in behind the scenes. EMHS Student Council members are the main group who have donated their time and effort to making Swine Week happen. Decoration chair and senior Paige Medley notes that this is her last Swine Week assembly.

“This is the most involved that I’ve ever been in anything,” Medley said. “It’s very bittersweet, because I’m really happy, but I also know that I will not be involved in any of this anymore.”

As well as Piggvision, the students are welcomed with a performance by Bread Basket, the winners of Swine Stock. As soon as the audience finished entering the gym, the national anthem was performed by musical trio Abigail Koehn, Greyson Alexander and Amy Renwick as well as a group of choir students, all seniors at EMHS and All-State musicians. Those who attended the final assembly included students, teachers, parents and other committed community members. Senior and audience member Sarah Hall was excited about various events during her last assembly, with one being the live auction.

“I cannot wait to see the puppy at the live auction,” Hall said. “I’ve been talking about it all week!”

To begin the assembly, Swine Week chairs Ally Owen, Bodie Bickle and Karmen Wellington spoke about Swine Week’s origins, as well as the Common Thread recipient, No Boundaries International. Following their introduction, Lori Basey came to represent No Boundaries International and explained the efforts that their nonprofit extends to those in need.

The Common Thread is when all Edmond high schools donate 5% of the money raised from each of their philanthropy weeks. No Boundaries International fights human trafficking and sexual exploitation as well as provides help to the homeless and those struggling with addiction.

Kendal Kelly spoke afterward, providing more information about The Comeback Kid Society. She pointed out that all the money donated to The Comeback Kid Society through Swine Week will go towards purchasing transitional housing for foster children aging out of the system, as mentioned previously. Afterward, the Swine Week chairs finished their welcome and started the first money run of the assembly.

Following the money run, the live auction began, with EMHS alum Katy Jo Brown as the auctioneer. The live auction included items such as prime parking spots, paintings done by EMHS artists, a Swine Week quilt made by Memorial teacher Johanna Belt and a male chocolate labrador puppy. The puppy sold for $3,600 after two audience members, including EMHS teacher Natalie Murray, bid back and forth for several minutes, hoping to win a new pet, whose name was Porkchop.

The three Swine Week chairs next thanked all of those who made the 2025 Swine Week happen. After their gratitude remarks, StuCo member Reese Odom announced the groups of Swine Week Royalty who helped raise money alongside the various events that took place. Swine Week treasurer Jackson Pollard recognized other miscellaneous groups at EMHS who contributed funds to Swine Week, as well as the elementary and middle schools that feed into Memorial.

Next, another money run began in hopes of raising at least $500 so that Head Principal Keith Pautler and the Swine Week chairs would kiss a pig, the tradition that started Swine Week in 1986. The pig did not seem willing to be removed from its cage, but after some assistance, a kiss was given by each person.

Bekah Joash and Elanna Dobbs, the co-advisers of student council, thanked all of those who have made Swine Week possible. Joash pointed out that this is her first year as a part of StuCo.

“I am proud of our school for how much they have rallied together and raised money in really creative ways,” Joash said. “When our students come up with an idea to raise money, our student body fully accepts it and wants to be a part of it.”

Lastly, possibly the greatest moment that the student body, faculty, staff and audience members have been anticipating, Pollard once again approached the stage and announced the Swine Week total of $357,547. With the inclusion of new events, such as Winter Wonderham, the total was an increase of $24,655 from last year. With this money, the goal of raising enough to build a transitional home was met and The Comeback Kid Society will now be able to support an increased number of individuals.

Contact Esther Wood at [email protected].