Some Things Are Too Good to Change: RHS Homecoming Parade
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“We’re a big city. The parade is a small town activity that really brings us together.” Annette Reynolds
Nothing says autumn like a good old-fashioned homecoming parade. Richardson High School is keeper of the seasonal tradition for the Richardson Independent School District. This year’s circus-themed parade, “Eagles Soar Under the Big Top,” will take to the streets Friday, September 25 at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The parade will progress West down Beltline Road from Heights Elementary School to the Eagle-Mustang Stadium parking lot.
This year marks the 50th year that Richardson High School has put on an annual homecoming parade. There are yearbook photographs from the early 1960’s documenting a homecoming parade. “Some things never change,” she notes, “floats with the homecoming court, fire trucks and decorated automobiles have always had a place in the parade.”
The panel of 5 judges will determine winners in various categories. The 2009 parade will include dozens of floats designed by RHS feeder schools, scout troops, academic clubs, and athletic teams; alongside the fire trucks, costumed characters, police escorts and local dignitaries in fancy cars. It’s a big commitment, organizing this parade – and a labor of love. “We do it because it is such a great thing for the community,” says Annette Reynolds who has been co-organizer of the parade with Sheila Martin since 1990. “It’s great to see everyone involved from the elementary students through high school and even the people in the community. People who wouldn’t normally participate come out in support of the parade.”
The parade, in turn, supports the community. Since 1995, the entry fee for each parade participant is a package of socks and/or underwear for the RISD Clothes Closet which provides school clothes for children who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Last year 4,915 socks/underwear were donated to the Clothes Closet.
“The parade had dwindled to 17 entries when we took it over in 1990,” says Reynolds, “that first year we had 67 entries and this year it is closer to 100.” Although neither Reynolds nor Martin currently have students at RHS, they continue to volunteer their time and leadership to a committee of parent volunteers. “We want to thank all of the cheerleader parents who have helped us since May when we had our first meeting,” says Reynolds.
Richards-Cohen supposes there can’t be a parade without a band. “The Richardson High School band was organized in 1947. According to an oral history from long-time Superintendant Dr. J.J. Pearce, their first uniforms were cowboy hats, white shirts and grey trousers donated by businesses in the area,” she reports.
Today’s Golden Eagle Band is sponsored by Huffines Dodge and recently won the Outstanding Band title and $5,000 in the Dodge Hometown Scholarship Program – a local campaign/competition to help high schools across the country raise money. Scott Millsap, Director of Sales at Huffines says, “We have been in business over 85 years serving the local community with Texas Values, we are pleased that the efforts have paid off for GEB.”
The homecoming parade will be followed by a Twilight Tailgate party sponsored by the Athletic Booster Club at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium parking lot on Dogwood.
And you’ll want to stay to see Richardson High School varsity football team play Sunset High School. The pre-game show begins at 7:00 p.m.
photo credit: Starla Willis, Todd Cohen
