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Starting on Depot Street, one could see a cavalcade of vehicles and floats led by four police vehicles driving along Main Street on Thursday night.

The homecoming parade came through downtown at 6:00 p.m., as hundreds cheered in the streets for various teams, groups, and individuals associated with George Rogers Clark High School.

Christi Jones, the administrative Secretary for George Rogers Clark High School, helped organize the event.

“I get in contact with our city mayor, and he helps get in contact with our police department and with help getting the roads closed,” Jones said. “I contact all of our coaches, all of our groups [and] organizations…Line them up, put them down Main Street and showcase our wonderful students.”

GRC athletic teams – including boys’ and girls’ basketball, cheer, cross-country, dance, football, fishing, girls’ soccer, softball, swim, and track and field- were showcased on the route.

Just as well, individuals on the Homecoming Court received notice.

Freshmen Santiago Guerrant and Campbell Sutherland were honored on one float. On another were sophomores Kalen Washington and Chellbie Holman. A third float had juniors Joey Hill and Makili Tabor.

Also featured in the parade were senior nominees for the 2022 Homecoming King and Queen. They included Marisol Lopez, Kyler Gashel, Olivia Puckett, Nathan Muse, Alexa Toler, Kareem Guerrant, Ainsley Yates, and Chase Holloman.

Each float was announced to the waiting and waving crowd near the Clark County Courthouse.

Candy, such as suckers, Tootsie Rolls, and more, were thrown to different onlookers for enjoyment.

While GRC students and teams might have been the highlight of the evening, they were far from the only honorees.

The National Beta Club, GRC Future Farmers of America, Smoke Signals Student Media, and Robert D. Campbell Junior High School cheerleaders were also present.

Cardinal Cookers, representing the kitchen staff, also had their own float.

“It was important because they take care of us just like our [administration] does,” said Jones. “We wanted to showcase them especially [to] let them know what wonderful ladies we have taking care of all our children.”

The recently hired Superintendent of Clark County Public Schools, Dustin Howard, was also present.

A long-time educator in the Clark County area, Howard appreciated the sense of thrill it gave to students.

“Seeing their faces light up and be the center of attention and the whole community here on Main Street, I don’t think it gets better than that,” Howard said.

It can also serve as an opportunity to unite Winchester.

“I think it is about building our community, including everyone here, parents, [and] stakeholders,” Howard said. “There are people here that have no kids, but they want to celebrate Clark County. I think that’s what makes an event like this so special because it goes across generations.”

Undoubtedly, different generations of Clark County residents will be present Friday night.

It’s an experience that Jones hopes will be memorable for students in the long term.

“They love seeing these people come out and support them,” she said.