Green and gold filled the streets of downtown Rockingham on Friday as this year’s homecoming parade boasted school spirit throughout Richmond County.
In honor of homecoming, students at Richmond Senior High School celebrated Spirit Week 2012, and the homecoming parade and football game concluded the week’s activities with high energy.
During Spirit Week, students got the chance to dress up on different days of the week and demonstrate their school spirit.
“Monday was Blast from the Past Day, where the students dressed up from the ’20s — all the way up to the 80s,” said Richmond Senior High School Assistant Principal Joyce McRae. “Tuesday was Fictional Character Day, Wednesday was Senior Citizens Day, Thursday was Camo Day and Friday was Green and Gold Day.”
McRae said the senior high students “went all out” for Spirit Week, even going so far as to have shirts made for each individual grade.
“It was really great,” she said.
Friday’s parade brought a line of floats, entertainment, a marching band and the homecoming court for Richmond Senior High School.
Bruce Stanback served as this year’s Grand Marshal.
A crowd surrounded East Washington Street as individuals on floats performed their acts for parade judges, situated just across from the Manufacturers Building.
“We’ve been working on this float for a week,” said Karen Criswell of Ellerbe Middle School. As the No. 33 float neared, Criswell stepped forward to cheer on the Wildcat cheerleaders as they performed a difficult routine.
Voices rang out from local students as they cheered the Raiders and booed Friday night’s opponents, the Hoke County Bucks. Phrases like “Buck Season Is Over” and “Tonight’s Menu: Venison Stew” flashed across colorful banners on nearly every float.
Support from the community was also visible from groups like the Rockingham Rescue Squad and local fire departments, whose members waved to spectators and tossed candy into the hands of excited children.
“We’re always glad to welcome Raider Nation to downtown Rockingham,” said Rockingham Mayor Gene McLaurin. “It’s become a tradition to have the parade in our area, and the merchants and businesses all enjoy having the crowd. It’s a lot of fun and we’re glad to have everybody downtown.”
Following the parade, the Raiders went on to battle Hoke County at the Raider Stadium.
— Staff Writer Mallory Brown can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at mallorybrown@heartlandpublications.com
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