Oct. 16, 2018 -- The Heights community came together in spectacular fashion as Tiger Nation celebrated Homecoming 2018 over the weekend. After spirit days at many of the district’s schools and an afternoon pep rally at the high school, more than 27 groups representing sports teams, extracurricular clubs and every one of our seven elementary schools marched in the Homecoming Parade. In its second year cutting through the heart of the Cedar-Lee business district, the parade drew more than 600 participants and countless spectators.
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With the speedy cross country team racing the route and the loud and lively marching band keeping the beat, the Parade began at Fairfax School and headed north on Lee Road to Tullamore. Parents, alumni and community members gathered at various Cedar-Lee businesses, including the Wine Spot where the Heights Schools Foundation hosted an alumni watch party as part of the Class of 1988’s 30th Year Reunion. The grassy field at Meadowbrook and Lee transformed into a district-sponsored Rock the Block party featuring a DJ, snacks and giant board games like Connect Four and Jenga.
Parade participants included fall and winter sports teams; extracurricular clubs including Student Council, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), AFS foreign exchange students and the middle school Environmental Club; community groups like Reaching Heights and Noble Neighbors; and the Board of Education, PTAs, school leaders, parents and the youngest tigers from the elementary schools.
Members of the Vocal Music Department serenaded the crowd with previews of songs from the upcoming production of Mary Poppins. The Cleveland Heights Youth Sports Association’s very talented and very little Tiny Mite Cheerleaders wowed with their precision and enthusiasm. Canterbury families recited an original chant that claimed “Public is the school for us!” And Gearity’s tiger-decorated pickup truck featured physical education teacher Dr. Fiona Connor firing up her dancing students with the help of a tiger costume and a megaphone.
But the real treat came at the very end when 2017’s Best of Parade winner, the district’s Transportation Department, turned the corner wearing matching t-shirts and singing “We Are the Champions.” They didn't take a break from singing, dancing, hula hooping and jump roping their way down Lee Road, followed by a honking bus complete with tiger ears and tail.
“I really wanted to try to pick a new winner this year,” said Parade Judge and Superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon. “But I just can’t! They are simply the best.” She proudly waved a copy of the song the bus drivers had written and performed along the route, which included lines like, ”You trust us with our children,” and “We try to never disappoint you because we love you and adore you.” The feeling along Lee Road was definitely mutual.
The parade was topped off with a victorious 34-to-0 football game against Warrensville Heights where the Homecoming Court was announced:
King and Queen: Tommy Pierce and Heaven Hayes
Prince and Princess: Jeramy Perry and Nataya Truitt
Duke and Duchess: Misean Ward and Alaycia Moore
Lord and Lady: Alex Cummings and Ashley Bandy and Mikayla Gandy.
Friday night also included alumni gatherings at various Lee Road establishments Friday night, a community open house with high school tours took place on Saturday afternoon, and the Homecoming Dance culminated the weekend activities on Saturday night.