Photograph by Tsutomu Fujita
Intermezzo: Freshman Jameelah Snowden waits with other members of the Westmont High School Marching Band for a turn to parade through downtown Campbell in the Westmont High School Homecoming Parade on Oct. 27.
WGHS beats Andrew Hill in homecoming game Oct. 26
School's parade has large turnout
By Amy Jenkins
A large number of onlookers lined E. Campbell Avenue on Oct. 27 to watch Westmont High School's third annual homecoming parade, and to celebrate a victory over Andrew Hill High School in the football game the night before, which the Westmont Warriors won 54 to 17.
"This game was exciting because last year we weren't this good," said Associated Student Body member Tamara Oskoui. "Our football team is now 3 and 1."
Prior to the game, 60 Westmont alumni gathered for a tailgate party, enjoying coffee, hot chocolate, tea and cookies, and then joined the fans in the stands to watch the game. During the game, fans received gift certificates donated by several community businesses.
The class of 1970 had one representative, and at least seven members from the classes of 1972, 1977 and 1979 attended the tailgate party. About seven alumni came from the 1980s, five from the 1990s, and four from the class of 2000.
"We wanted to generate a true feeling of homecoming," said Bob McCreight, tailgate coordinator. "Actually, the student body came up with the idea and did much of the publicity. Being from the class of 1977 with a daughter who is a freshman this year, I was thrilled to get involved."
Marcy Cooper, the school's activities director, added, "The tailgate event went really well."
Slightly cloudy skies didn't deter fans from flocking to the Saturday morning parade to support their school, especially because the weather was better than last year, when it rained.
"This is the largest turnout ever," Cooper said. "There were more people at this parade than any in the past."
Homecoming king Ryan Repucci and queen Tara Dinardo were in the choir that led the parade down Campbell Avenue from the railroad tracks to Third Street in downtown Campbell. Following the choir were the 14 members of the color guard and then the marching band, dressed in black, white and red. The band stopped marching in the middle of the performance to dance to the music. They were followed by a drill team waving and twirling gray and white flags.
Throughout the parade, classic cars, such as Ford Thunderbirds, carried members of the homecoming court; and class floats decorated with different themes drove down the street. The freshman class decorated its float with blue M & Ms and called it "Hip Hoppin' Freshman." The class of 2004 depicted a 1920s swing scene in the "Sophomores Are Swingin'" float. The "Rockin' Juniors" float portrayed life in a 1950s diner, complete with black-and-white checkered tablecloths, a hamburger menu and a gigantic jukebox. The senior class float, named "Disco Fever," had life-size dancers and a disco ball.
No homecoming parade would be complete without the football team and cheerleaders. Westmont's junior varsity and varsity football players and cheerleaders marched in the parade and threw candy into the audience.
Westmont High School Principal Bob Serpa also joined in the parade, and Campbell Mayor Matthew Dean, along with several other members of the city council, rode in a car that drew the parade to a close.
Campbell, California
