Schools

Gulf High Alumni Invasion on the Horizon

The invasion celebrates bonds to the school and the life of a longtime educator.

Generations of Gulf High alumni are invited to converge on New Port Richey this month.

That’s right! It’s almost time for the second-ever Gulf High Alumni Invasion, a two-day reunion event.

The Invasion arrives on Friday, Oct. 26, the day of the Gulf High Bucs homecoming parade. It continues through Saturday, Oct. 27. The proceeds from the Invasion fund alumni scholarships granted to Gulf High seniors.

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This invasion commemorates Gulf High’s 90th birthday. It also pays tribute to  retired Gulf High coach and principal James E. "Ed" Campbell, who was killed this past March and found dead in his home in Madison County

Bill Phillips, class of ‘75, spearheaded the inaugural alumni invasion, which took place in 2008. He’s organizing this current one, too. 

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Phillips credits the alumni invasion with building engaged alumni who want to give back to the school. It’s also an example of how far life can take alumni after they graduate.   

“You want to continue to build that love of school,” Phillips said.

On Oct. 26, the invasion kicks off with the Gulf High Homecoming parade. There will then be a pre-game tailgate party at 4:30 p.m. The Gulf homecoming game against Hudson High starts at 7 p.m. at Gulf High's Des Little Stadium with a ceremony dedicating a planned alumni plaza to Campbell.

That night, planners will also reveal renderings for the alumni plaza that will be created at the Gulf High football stadium in Campbell’s memory. Campbell was instrumental in founding the committee that made the stadium a reality.

Phillips also noted Campbell had an impact on students' lives. Campbell started teaching at Gulf High in the 1960s and became principal in 1975. He was Phillips’ football coach.

“The major thing we want to happen Friday is have people come back and share stories about Coach Campbell,” Phillips said.  

Phillips said that the section dedicated to him would be fitting. It could take about a year and a half to build, and planners are hoping to get donations to help fund it.

The Friday night events cost $25 per person. That includes $15 for the tailgate party and barbecue, $5 for a football game ticket, $3 for parking, and $2 for a scholarship fund donation.

After the game, alumni will move over to Peace Hall (across from Sims Park) for an after-party and then will migrate downtown for further festivities.

The next morning, there will be a continental breakfast at Peace Hall, followed by a meet and greet and then the gathering will end with a celebration of life for Campbell at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd. 

Campbell’s family will also be present for the unveiling of a new scholarship in his name over the course of the invasion.

Want to go to the invasion? The schedule is posted on the invasion Facebook page and replicated here.

Friday, Oct. 26th
- 2 p.m.: Homecoming Parade,  Downtown New Port Richey
- 4:30 p.m. Pre-game tailgate party at Gulf High School
- 7 p.m. Home Football game against Hudson High School 7 P.M. @ Gulf High
Dedication ceremony for Campbell before the football game
- Around 8 p.m. All Alumni classes reunion at Peace Hall and then moving downtown at 10:30 p.m.

Saturday October 27th
- 8:30 a.m. Alumni breakfast at Peace Hall
- 10 a.m. Meet and greet

For more information, please send an email to ghsalumniinvasion@hotmail.com.


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