Showing their seniority in the parade, the seniors cap the floats off with their giant football helmet.

By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



While Gardendale High School cheerleaders pepped the crowd and the band pumped out school fight songs, several decorated floats circled the town, announcing their Rocket spirit in a parade throughout Gardendale on Friday afternoon.

The parade ended the school’s weeklong homecoming activities, but the parade along with the pep rally revved the crowd up for their game against Curry Friday night.

Following the cheerleaders, color guard and band, the parade continued as the homecoming court, fire department and self-decorated floats from each class proceded down Main Street. And each announced their desire to crush, beat, stomp or jar the Curry Yellow Jackets.

Gardendale junior Jada Bittle said the floats decorated by each class was her favorite part of the Homecoming celebrations. “They’re not supposed to be a competition between grades, but that’s what gets everyone involved and excited.”

But for senior Sumer Chambless, being on the homecoming court was the highlight of her last homecoming at Gardendale High School. “It’s great to be on the homecoming court for the first time as a senior,” Chambless said. “I love dressing up and representing the class.”

Although the parade was a success, Gardendale High School principal Anna Vacca said the activities during the week also encouraged school spirit and unity. “I think homecoming events [like] dress up days, derby racing and cookouts are lots of activities that spotlight school spirit, working together and team spirit,” she said.

Not only did students dedicate their time to decorating the halls and the floats for the parade, but they also decorated themselves everyday according to the daily theme. This year the themes were Pajama Day, Hippie Day, Nerd Day, Cowboy Day and Spirit Day.

“Nerd day was the funniest day,” Vacca said. “We saw all kinds of nerds — big glasses, short pants, suspenders. It was funny to see the way they looked … they’ve all had a good time.”

In general, varsity cheerleader Katie Burkett said she enjoyed the week of homecoming because she was able to do her job — cheer her school onto victory. “You pep up your school for the game on Friday and everybody who’s graduated can come to the game and see how the other generations are keeping up the school spirit.”