Local residents and students came out Friday to enjoy one of
Hollister’s most beloved traditions: San Benito High School’s
annual homecoming parade.
Local residents and students came out Friday to enjoy one of Hollister’s most beloved traditions: San Benito High School’s annual homecoming parade.
“I think it’s important to support your school,” said SBHS Senior Bri Romero, who sat on the sidewalk with friends Jordan Lee and Bre Fata. All three were wearing SBHS’ signature red and white football jerseys. “We know everybody in the clubs and ASB … and there isn’t really anything else to do.”
Nearly 20 student floats, vehicles and performers made their way down San Benito Street bearing candy, beads and heaps of ‘Baler pride. The marching band led the parade, followed by class royalty, floats designed by student clubs, and vehicles carrying loads of educators. The transportation department decorated a school bus and rolled down the street in honor of Gary Goularte, a longtime ‘Baler who passed away last year.
The crowd of spectators was made up of students, parents and supportive community members.
“Coming out and doing this shows that we’re a close-knit community,” said Brooke Drost, a former ‘Baler cheerleader who graduated in 1996.
Drost, who said she had attended nearly every homecoming parade since her teens, brought her daughter, Emily, to the parade, dressed up as a pint-size ‘Baler cheerleader and holding the same pompoms her mom had used as a student.
Many parents and other adults who were present said they wished their own high schools had sponsored similar parades when they were students.
“We had a dance, but never a full parade,” said Vanita Mann, who came to see her son, Evan McFadden, a JV football player. “I think this is a great way to support the high school and fun for the kids.”
The logistics involved in putting on a homecoming parade are too troublesome for many larger cities, particularly those with five or six high schools. Parades like San Benito High’s, then, are becoming something of a dying breed.
“You can tell San Benito is a really special place because of things like this,” said Lee. “We have lots of school spirit.”
Even the adults attending the parade, who won’t have the fun of attending the homecoming dance tomorrow evening, enjoyed the break from routine the parade provided.
“This gives us an excuse to get out of the office and get some fresh air,” said Renee Flores, who took a break from her job downtown with colleagues Audra Acquistapace and Ann Lewis. “It’s just a fun little tradition.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or ds****@fr***********.com.
