Homecoming 2021

Written by Ed Hurry, Class of 1964

Vice President, SHAFI Board

SHAFI was contacted by email on Monday September 27, 2021 by Melina Hodzic -Denver South High School Communication Specialist and Athletic Assistant.  Melina was asking if the Alumni were interested in participating in the South High Homecoming Parade to be held after school on Thursday September 30th.  Melina was specifically looking for an alumni who might own a convertible or a truck to be used to drive Homecoming Royalty Court Members in the Parade.  I own a 2001 Silver Ford Mustang Cobra Convertible, and I agreed to participate in the parade.

An email was sent to me by Meredith Barrow, MSE., Activities Director, Head Cheerleading Coach and Graduation Coordinator at South saying that was great that I was willing to provide my convertible for the parade and gave me a map of the parade route and said to please arrive at South by 3:15 on Thursday to prepare for the parade. The parade was to begin at 4 PM and run to 5 PM.  The parade route was to head North on Gilpin St. out of the West parking lot and then headed West on East Arizona Ave. to South Franklin St. .  The route ran on South Franklin St. North to East Exposition Ave and then travelled one block East to South Williams St.  The parade then continued South on Williams St. back to the school.  The Royalty Court Members that rode with me (two young men), as well as all the other Royalty Members threw candy out to all the people viewing the parade.

I arrived at South at about 3 PM and lined up my car pointing North, next to the concrete curb and sidewalk bordering the Lawn and the West parking lot.  I was greeted by one of the PTSA Co-Presidents and by a group of students that helped me decorate my car with purple and white crepe paper and purple and white balloons.  As you can see from the photo, I also hung a South Alumni Banner on the right side of my car.   With crepe paper and the banner blocking the opening of my car doors, the two boys and I had to hop in the car like we were NASCAR drivers.   That was easy for the boys, but somewhat of a feat for a 1964 graduate of South High.

The parade began with the South High Band leading the parade, followed by the girls’ cheer leading group marching behind the band.  There were about ten plus vehicles in the parade, many jeeps, some pickup trucks, some SUV’s, a classic Porsche, and a few other convertibles.  The School Principal, Bobby Thomas, rode beside the parade with some of his associates in a golf cart.  Other people followed the parade on their bicycles and one adult followed the parade on his classic motor scooter.  The school had arranged with the Denver Police to have all the intersections blocked off by Police Officers so that the parade ran smoothly and safely. 

The students had a great time throwing candy to their South High Friends that lined the parade route and to the many children and their parents that had come to view the event.  The parade was a big success and a very fun event.