March 23, 2026 — Around 1,000 students, families, alumni, and community members gathered at Osborne High School for the second annual Cardinal Frenzy Fiesta, a community celebration designed to raise funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. Schools across the Osborne cluster participate in friendly competition throughout the school year to raise funds, with the top contributor earning the coveted “Cardinal Cup,” a traveling trophy that symbolizes the cluster’s shared commitment to service and community impact.
The event was coordinated by Osborne’s Family and Community Engagement Center under the leadership of Heidi Leonard and supported by a team of teacher leaders, students, administrators, and volunteers who worked behind the scenes for months to bring the vision to life. With fundraising still underway, the Osborne cluster is expected to raise more than $45,000! The Cardinal Frenzy Fiesta mirrors the district’s broader commitment to heart health and service. Cobb Schools has been recognized nationally by the American Heart Association as a top-performing school district in the nation, raising nearly $1 million in a single school year for the Kids Heart Challenge.
A Growing Tradition
Building on last year’s inaugural event, the Cardinal Frenzy Fiesta expanded significantly in scale and excitement, evolving from a proof-of-concept gathering into a full-campus festival featuring a 3-on-3 soccer tournament, an alumni-supported car show, food trucks, vendors, and hands-on public safety demonstrations.
“This is a great way for our schools to come together in a friendly manner and raise awareness of a worthy cause,” said Osborne Principal Dr. Troy Jones. “When you see families, alumni, and students working side by side, you realize how powerful a united community can be.”
"We are very intentional about including our alumni in community events to get them connected to our school and community," Dr. Jones continued. "It is great to have them return to campus and share memories of where the old buildings used to be located and how many of their teachers had a positive impact on their lives."
One amazing example of positive impact is longtime Osborne educator Annette Hansard, whose 53 years of service helped shape generations of Cardinal students! Ms. Hansard's legacy was remembered and honored as a major part of this year's event.
Osborne alum Tim Barrett (Class of 1983) organized the Mustang Crew and helped anchor the car show with community members showcasing a variety of classic vehicles. Dr. Jones and event sponsor Tanner Collins of QuickTransfers led the Corvette Club section of the car show, showcasing Osborne school pride with their red and black Corvettes. Meanwhile, student organizations such as Beta Club, Student Government Association, JROTC, and the Cardinal Café volunteered throughout the event to help bring the celebration to life.
A Festival for Everyone
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed fantastic weather and a lively atmosphere. More than 70 vendors and community partners participated across the campus, featuring food trucks, local bakers, crafters, student organizations, community resources, and interactive Touch-A-Truck demonstrations. Osborne’s student-run tax center also provided convenient pickup and drop-off services for community members seeking assistance with tax preparation.
Refreshment options ranged from returning favorites like Kona Ice, Chef Smokey, and Santiago’s to newcomers Kai Time and Tom’s Traveling Coffee. Families could also get up close to emergency vehicles and public safety equipment from Metro Ambulance, the Cobb Fire Department, Cobb County SWAT, and Cobb Utilities.
Additional highlights included a LifeSouth blood drive, a PTSA community yard sale, and student-led fundraising efforts from groups like the Red Sea of Sound Marching Band. Many sponsors ensured that the event remained free and accessible for the community, including Mundo de Futbol Soccer World, O’Brien Productions, the National Guard, Metro Ambulance, Goodies Galore, and Mama's Got A Side Hustle.
Thank you to all who attended and supported the second annual Cardinal Frenzy Fiesta! If you missed it, make sure to mark your calendar for next year. With all this enthusiasm at Osborne, it will just keep getting bigger and better!
