The Tribe will be going head to head with the Eagles of Robert C. Byrd for this year’s Bridgeport High School Homecoming football game. The Sept. 21 contest at Wayne Jamison Field will be followed by the Sept. 22 annual homecoming dance at BHS and preceded by an event that encapsulates community spirit.

 

Always drawing a crowd and spurring enthusiasm is the BHS Homecoming Parade, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 19. Spectators can line Philadelphia Avenue from Center Street clear to BHS on Johnson Avenue. Arrive early to get a good spot and don’t forget bags or buckets for your little ones to collect candy.

 

“It’s such an amazing sense of community to see everyone coming out to be supportive of our high school and it’s a great way to see how a lot of hard work has paid off,” said Alden Smith, BHS junior, Key Club member and parade coordinator. “A lot of our fall sports will be represented in the parade and they have been working really hard.”

 

In addition to BHS football, soccer, cross country, volleyball and cheer - among others - teams from Bridgeport Middle School and youth feeder programs will be represented, as well as other school and community units.

 

“Since it is the high school homecoming parade, it is mainly high school groups such as BHS Key Club and Student Council and, of course, each class will have a float and all the homecoming princesses will ride in the parade,” Smith said.

 

Bridgeport Police will be in the lineup and as is tradition, Bridgeport Fire Department will oblige in bringing its ladder truck for the varsity football team to ride upon.  

 

The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Game Night.” Putting a creative spin on the phrase, each BHS class is designing and building a float featuring a different board game. After judging takes place, winners will be announced at the Sept. 21 football game. The most anticipated announcement, however, is 2018 Homecoming Queen and Maid of Honor.  

 

In the running are BHS seniors Grace Amos, Laken Cook, Grace Ebert, Maddison Hess, Megan Murray, Juliet Hart, Hannah Walker, Taylor Holmes and Kirstin George.

 

Also in the homecoming court are BHS juniors Sophia Duarte and Rachel Steele; sophomores Emma Tyce and Chloe Stear and freshmen Macy Cook and Olivia Urse.

 

The BHS Marching Band and BHS Alumni Band will both participate in the Sept. 19 parade.

 

Participating units will be notified of their lineup spot.

 

“We have most of our lots confirmed and we’re waiting to hear back from one or two others about their permission,” Smith said. “After final details are confirmed, I will be reaching back out to groups already in the parade telling them where and when to meet.”

 

Smith said there are subcommittees and others working hard to bring a nice parade to the community.

 

“There is a giant group of people behind me, helping to pull this thing off,” she said. “It is always great to see the final project come together and people enjoying it.”