IHS homecoming parade brings community together

The sound of the Ironton High School Million Dollar Marching Band along with the football and cross country teams, cheerleaders, color guard and various groups in the school’s first ever homecoming parade Thursday evening showcased school spirit and community.

Ironton residents lined the streets in orange and black in support of the students as the parade proceeded around the block from one side of the school to the other, ending with a pep rally at Tanks Memorial Stadium.

“It was always a dream of mine to have it and the administration got behind it 100 percent,” Valerie Freeman, from the Ironton Board of Education and organizer of the parade, said. “It’s great to give the children the opportunity to express their pride with the community and the community an opportunity to show their support.”

Float awards were given out at the pep rally with the cross country team receiving most class participation, the color guard getting best theme and the junior class with most spirit.

“I think it’s a wonderful tradition that we started,” Joe Rowe, principal of the high school, said. “sixty percent of our kids are involved in some kind of activity in the fall. The more school participation and spirit you have, the better school you have.”

Freeman said she wanted to thank the city of Ironton, Ironton Fire Department and Ironton Police Department for helping make this happen.

“This is what small town pride is all about,” Freeman said. ‘I look forward to many more of these to come.”