Tehachapi News

THS gets animated for Homecoming

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Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys jigged and skipped their way down Valley Boulevard Friday afternoon. Passing motorists, however, didn't think it was strange.
After all, Woody and Buzz Lightyear weren't too far behind.

Tehachapi High School's 2009 Homecoming Week culminated in a four-block parade Oct. 9, including Disney-themed floats and the school's marching band.

The circular parade route covered Dennison Road, Anita Drive, Snyder Avenue and Valley Boulevard.

Jacobsen Middle School students and staff lined Anita Drive to welcome the parade as it went by.

“I think it's pretty awesome,” Tehachapi High School student Nick Buttcane said about the junior class float, modeled after the film “Newsies.”

Buttcane said the juniors spent four Saturdays - working from 9 a.m. to “whenever we were done” - constructing the float.

Juniors riding the float were also dressed in outfits similar to those found in the movie, which depicts a turn-of-the-20th-century newspaper strike in New York City.

Senior Alexis Lopez dressed as Native American character Tiger Lily from “Peter Pan” for the senior float. Lopez said it took the seniors one week to build their float, despite having to balance construction time with academic requirements.

“It was bearable,” Lopez said. “I had a few projects due this week, though.”
Lopez was extremely happy with the final product, which including a blaring original score from the film.

“I love it, I love it so much,” she said.

The sophomore float was modeled after the film “The Jungle Book,” - complete with gorilla outfits and music from the film - while the freshman float was “Toy Story”-themed, including students dressed in Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Little Bo Peep costumes.

“The kids here are unbelievable,” Tehachapi High School Principal Cary Johnson said. “That was the best group of floats I've seen since I've been here.”

Johnson said he wasn't the type of person who keeps a favorite selection a secret.

“The 'Peter Pan' one caught my eye,” he said.

Johnson added, “All floats were extremely well done.”

Warrior cheerleaders rode atop Kern County Fire Department trucks. The homecoming court, volleyball team, robotics club, French club, Drama club and Future Homemakers of America all rode in the parade as well.

The current crop of Tehachapi High School students have shown the most pride of any school he has been associated with, Johnson said.

“Here, it's off the charts,” Johnson said. “It's so cool to have an assembly or a rally and see how much all the kids are actually paying attention to the assembly.”

Victor Calvilla, who was voted the “Most Spirited” senior, said the 2009 homecoming festivities were the best of his fours years.

“Best homecoming ever,” Calvilla said.

Prior to the parade, Tehachapi High School students, staff and visitors packed the gymnasium for a homecoming rally, which included a competition to decide which class could yell “THS!” the loudest.

The seniors won.