Brookelynn Hodgin | Writer
October 3, 2021
On Friday, October 1, San Clemente High School held its famous Homecoming Parade on Del Mar. Having been two years since the previous parade, last year’s being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students, teachers, and those within the community were excited to gather together again to celebrate Triton Football and other sports and clubs. It was the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that the entire community was able to come together and enjoy a feeling of normalcy and unity.
Leading up to Friday, many students were anticipating the big parade. “We didn’t have the Homecoming Parade last year,” junior Tessa Campbell said. “I’m excited to be a part of this great tradition we have in our community and represent girls lacrosse. It is a great opportunity to cheer on our school’s teams, clubs, and students.”
The SCHS Homecoming Parade is a staple in the San Clemente community. One of the few “small town” high schools left in California, students and residents are able to enjoy a unique event that not many schools can have. Senior Ian McKernan thinks “people should go to the parade to get hyped for the homecoming game.”
“Triton Travel” was the Homecoming theme this year and could be seen among the class floats walking down Del Mar. California Freshmen had a float representing some iconic spots found all along the Golden Coast, Texas Sophomores could be heard rolling down the street with their country music, dancing students, and an obviously western themed float. Juniors were Hawaii, where their float expressed many island theme decorations and Luau music. The New York Seniors float had the Statue of Liberty, featuring a skyline of New York City.
From freshmen to seniors, all SCHS students look forward to and enjoy the special event held at the beginning of each school year, allowing everyone to feel involved here at SC. “It was inspiring walking alongside my [lacrosse] team, freshman Brooke Staude said.
But students and community members don’t have to be in the parade to participate in the Triton spirit. One can find themselves watching the floats and teams walk down Del Mar just as inclusive. “As a senior, being able to see all of your friends in [Homecoming] Top 5 or in activities going down Del Mar is so fun,” senior Olivia Matheson said. “My friends and I who were watching made so many great memories.” Whether you are able to walk with a group down Del Mar and be in the parade, or are able to stand on the sidewalk and wave at everyone making their way down, lasting memories are to be made.
Later that night would be the big homecoming game against Loyola High School, an all-boys school from Los Angeles. The Tritons won in an exciting match, beating Loyola 24-21 with a field goal in the final moments of the game. If school morale wasn’t already obvious, it was clear after the game, where students represented their “One Town, One Team” spirit proudly. This win would get students even more pumped for the Homecoming Dance the following night.
The San Clemente Homecoming Parade, one of the most celebrated traditions in town, is a popular event amongst the student body. It is more than just a 30 minute parade celebrating the big game that night or the dance the following day, symbolizing the sense of community and family that can only be found in San Clemente. In these uncertain, even worrisome times, having a community behind you to lift you up and remind you what life is all about is so important. And that just goes to show how special San Clemente is, that even through the current difficulties, people can come together despite it all and enjoy a day of celebration.
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