The Woodlands High School Homecoming is one of the highlights of the local community. The high school hosts many events to get students excited about homecoming. One of the most anticipated events is the The Red & Green Day Parade and pep rally.
The parade started at McCullough High School in 1982 as a way to raise school spirit for the homecoming game and week, according to Coach Jim Rapp, the head football coach. After the parade, there is a community pep rally. The pep rally and skits put on by the parents were originally performed outside on the field at McCullough. Once the school moved to the current campus, the pep rally moved into the gym. A fond memory Coach Rapp has is when one year, “a monster truck ‘Bigfoot’ was part of the show.” He also described how the parent skits in the pep rallies amuse their children and the community alike.
High school students also pass out candy and goodies to the spectators as their floats pass by. Children and parents wait in anticipation to see the float themes and collect as much candy as possible. The parade has the individual student sport/club sections compete for best float, greatest team spirit, and best overall. Each organization gets to choose their own float themes, whether it’s modest or extravagant.
“The goal of the parade and pep rally has always been about building community support and spirit,” says Coach Rapp. The parade is meant to be a friendly competition between students, while also hyping up the community for Homecoming week.
In addition, the winners of the float contest will win the grand prize of a donation to the respective club/sport. This year’s winners are as follows: TWHS Swim and Dive for the most school spirit, TWHS Cheerleading for best float, and, last but not least, TWHS Girls Volleyball for best overall, Grand Prize Winners.
Homecoming week continues with the last dress up day Friday–formal for seniors and western for underclassmen–and the pep rally, where certain teachers will be getting pied in the face. The Homecoming football team will compete against New Caney at Woodforest Stadium on Friday, October 24.
Finally, the perfect ending to the spirited week, the TWHS Homecoming Dance on Saturday at the Woodlands High School at 7 p.m.
