Choosing the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal is always an exciting moment in part of the annual homecoming planning. This year, the HHS student council has chosen to honor the memory of Steve Vinyard, in place of a traditional Grand Marshal.
Senior class president Xander Robinson said, “Vinny was a very important part of our school and everyone here loved him.” That is why the council decided to take the position of Grand Marshal and use it to show their love for Vinyard, who passed away in February of last year. “He was everyone’s biggest fan, no matter what they were a part of.”
Creating a memorial for Vinyard leading the parade will be different than having a traditional Grand Marshal. According to student body president, Reed Rider, a car will be driven in the parade by some of Vinyard’s closest friends, including East Side principal, Scott Dewar. Some of Vinyard’s Bulldog mementos will be on display on the back of the car, including his high school football jersey.
Student council sponsor Krystal Wilson says “Grand Marshal is chosen as a place of honor. We encourage the students to choose someone for that position who has made an impact on the school and community. Mrs. Ford and I were proud that the students came up with such a touching way to honor the memory of Mr. Vinyard.”
Robinson and other council members are pleased with the choice. “He (Vinny) was a Bulldog through and through and always put everyone before himself” Robinson said.
This isn’t the first time the council has used the position of Grand Marshal to honor the contributions of a person or group of people. In the year following COVID, the healthcare community was honored as a whole for everything they had sacrificed during the pandemic.
The student body and community are all invited to attend the homecoming parade this Thursday September 26, 2024 at 3:00pm. The route will begin at East Side school, with the Vinyard memorial leading the parade.
Sherman Owen • Sep 24, 2024 at 10:59 am
Wonderful Idea!! Miss Vinny!