Homecoming Hits CVCHS

The Homecoming parade is an event that shows off all of our Ugly spirit. Many sports teams, leadership, and Homecoming royalty take part in it. The event, which this year took place Oct. 17, consisted of these people and many more traveling downtown Clayton in cars and on foot. 

To be specific, the participants of the parade included the Blue Crew, cheerleaders, mini cheerleaders, football players, the marching band, girls water polo, girls golf, girls dance, girls wrestling, the Special Olympics basketball team, Homecoming royalty, the senior men’s club and the senior women’s club. Many of these groups dressed up in fun outfits and had lots of body makeup on. Particularly, the senior women’s club had lots of pink clothes, face paint and signs. 

What Did People Think of the Homecoming Parade? 

Before the parade started, many families were there for their kids. People were crowding on the corner by Skipolini’s and Big Joe's Coffee, waiting for their kids. After the parade was over the overall opinion was pretty positive.  Campbell Popovich, a junior who is the drum major for the marching band, shared his thoughts.  

“I think it was pretty great,” he stated. “There were lots of people there and it was nice to celebrate with the community. Although, the parade route was too short.” 

In conclusion, this year's Homecoming parade went pretty well. There is some room for improvement, but isn't that always the case? 

What Goes Into the Homecoming Parade and Homecoming? 

Most people often don't see or recognize the work that goes into planning and executing events such as the Homecoming parade and even Homecoming itself. 

“Planning for all Homecoming activities begins at the end of the previous year,” said Jenna Ebert, a CVCHS faculty member who oversees the planning. “We reflect and debrief on things that went well, and things that could be improved on. Once we start school in August, the planning picks up.” 

Ebert also was asked how much both events usually cost. 

“That is a great question here. We keep costs low for the parade, thanks to the city of Clayton for waiving the permit fees. The Homecoming dance costs quite a bit more, closer to $40,000.” 

What is clean-up like for both events? 

“Parade clean-up is pretty easy, since groups are not throwing anything out,” Ebert said. “The dance on the other hand, we meet in the dance floor area once the dance officially ends and start cleaning. We sweep up the floor, pick up trash, and otherwise try to leave the place looking better than it did when we arrived.” 

The final question was who else helps set up for both events?   

“The students in the class help set up for the parade, along with support from Clayton PD for providing the road closures,” Ebert said. “The dance consists of our vendors setting up – the DJ sets their own equipment up, the games and photobooth are set up by their employees, and the same for the food trucks.”

The Homecoming parade and dance are pivotal times for CVCHS students to show their Ugly pride and community. They get to celebrate who we are, the opportunities that the school provides us, and the community within the school and town of Clayton. Furthermore, special events like the Homecoming parade and Homecoming can’t happen without the contribution of the CVCHS staff members, students, and community. The students of CVCHS thank you all for all your support.

Photo Credit: Samantha Jinkerson