San Juan Bautista
– Running down the middle of Third Street in San Juan Bautista,
two students with giant swords fought in front of, around, and on
top of a moving car, much to the delight of several young children
watching.
San Juan Bautista – Running down the middle of Third Street in San Juan Bautista, two students with giant swords fought in front of, around, and on top of a moving car, much to the delight of several young children watching.
Fortunately, this does not represent a rise in hooliganism downtown. Instead, the events were part of Anzar High School’s fourth annual homecoming parade.
“That was funny!” said Carlos Bracho, 7, watching the parade with his mom and two siblings. Peter Ryan, also 7, agreed that the swordfighting was the best part, although his cache of candy seemed equally engaging.
The homecoming parade, which took place at 3pm Friday, was just one of the events that were part of Anzar High School’s homecoming week. Throughout the week there was a pep rally, themed dress-up days, an alumni basketball game and a dance with a king and queen.
Anzar’s girls and boys basketball teams each played games on Thursday night as well. The boys won 71-32, while the girls lost 47-31.
Anzar’s homecoming takes place during basketball season every year because the small school doesn’t have a football team. The tradition was started in 2004 to increase school spirit.
This was the first year the school’s homecoming week was run by a student. Kelsey White, a senior at Anzar, organized the events with help from many of her classmates.
Susie Swing, who is the activities director at Anzar and has overseen homecoming since its inception in 2004, said she estimates more than half of Anzar’s student body takes part in the various events.
“I think it builds every year,” Swing said. “Everyone’s really helpful.”
Michael Gunderson, who has taught art at Anzar since the school opened 14 years ago, agreed that the parade has improved since years past.
“It gets better every year,” Gunderson said. “The kids have done a really good job with leadership.”
With only eight floats, the parade was smaller than in years past, but Diana Marquez, 17, said she thought students had spent more time and effort on their floats this year.
“I think the floats this year were really good and everyone got involved, which was good,” White said.
Each grade had a different theme for its floats: the ’60s era for the freshmen, the ’80s for the sophomores, the Romans for the juniors and the Egyptians for the seniors. Each float was crowded with students from that grade dressed up for the theme.
Other student clubs had floats as well. The basketball team had a real basketball hoop on the back of its float, and the cross country team ran outside its car, pushing it along.
“I don’t think there’s anything better than watching them have fun together,” Swing said. “As long as they’re having fun, it’s a success.”
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. You can reach her at 637-5566 ext. 336 or at aj**@fr***********.com.
