GHS marches down Main Street
Homecoming king and queen, Samantha Stoffregen ‘19 and Conner Einsweiler ‘19, roll down the street during the homecoming parade.
School spirit flooded into downtown on Friday, September 21st as the Galena homecoming parade kicked off. Bright floats and festive students came to support their school for the big night.
The band played proudly as always, getting the parade watchers excited and ready for the game. “I like playing with my friends in the band,” said senior Jessica Baltierra. “Marching is more than walking, you have to communicate with the other players in the band to stay together and sound our best.”
Volleyball, football, and cheerleading were also a part of the parade and proudly showed off their blue and white spirit. “I love riding in the parade and handing out candy,” said sophomore volleyball player Kate Moran. “It’s so exciting to see the streets lined with people, and know that they are supporting the high school.”
As the most exciting part for some, the floats were finally revealed and would serve as the final determining factor in the 2018 Homecoming Games. Each grade worked vigorously on their floats to try and compensate for points lost throughout the week.
Going with a Mardi Gras theme, the freshman class made a bright, eye-catching float. “Their float was amazing, and their efforts definitely exceeded anything else they had done throughout homecoming week,” said sophomore Kristin Hall.
Sophomores brought in a fun and vibrant Las Vegas float that sported a “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. “I think our float looked great,” said Corrina Noble ‘21. “We worked really hard on the float and I think that showed in the parade.”
New York City inspired the juniors to create a cityscape float where Alexa Haase represented the Statue of Liberty.
Seniors kept it simple and stunning with their red carpet inspired Hollywood float.
This year’s homecoming court was also represented at the parade. Freshman class representatives were Natalie Stangl and Owen Murdock. Representing the sophomore class were Maggie Handfelt and Owen Wells. For the juniors, McKenna Curran and Holden Murdock were nominated. The senior homecoming court consisted of Hanna Skiston, Evan Kruse, Sophia Heisler, Kyle Long with Samantha Stoffregen and Conner Einsweiler taking the crown for king and queen. “I didn’t expect to get voted Homecoming Queen” said senior Stoffregen. “But I think it was a really cool honor and I enjoyed representing my class in the parade and at the dance.”
After the parade was the annual tailgate party where Pirate fans mingled while the band played once again. “Although the parade is always short, it’s just enough to get us pumped for the big game,” said junior Mackenzie Furlong. “I can’t wait to see what next homecoming brings!”