The annual tradition transformed downtown Winter Park into a community show of school spirit. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
Wildcat pride took over Park Avenue on Wednesday evening as students, staff, friends and family showed up to celebrate Winter Park High School Homecoming. The annual tradition kicked off at 5 p.m. with bands, cheerleaders, sports and academic clubs, and the homecoming court making their way from Canton Avenue to Lyman Avenue. Festivities continued in Central Park with a pep rally and BBQ presented by the Parent Teacher Student Association.
Just beyond the parade route, another yearly tradition convened in Central Park at Alumni Row. Longtime friends gathered at tables that mark their respective class, but the groups often mingled and merged to take photos, make conversation, and create new memories.
“We’ve been doing this for six years,” said Lee Gartside of the Class of 1959. “We started with around three classes and now we’re up to ten.” Gartside started Alumni Row for the 2018 Homecoming Parade and the group keeps it going to stay in touch and celebrate their alma mater.
“Our class gets together for a lunch a few times a year,” said Carolyn Ruelle Gayle, also of the Class of ’59. Many of the participating alumni are local, but some travel from as far away as California to enjoy the reunions. But no matter where they now live, their ties remain strong.
“It’s our school, we’ve still got the spirit,” Gartside said. “We’re Wildcats for life.”
Former WPHS students gather at Alumni Row before the start of the Homecoming Parade.The Class of 1959: (standing) Mary Phillips, Ed Russell, Marion Pike Russell, Fran and Skip Penney, Tanna Gartside (seated) Jacque Davis, Carolyn Ruelle Gale, Lee Gartside Meanwhile, family and friends begin to gather along the parade route.The Winter Park High School NJROTC lead the procession.Winter Park Commissioner and WPHS football and wrestling coach Craig Russell serves as grand marshal.Mayor Sheila DeCiccio waves to the crowd.Next up is Commissioner Kris Cruzada.The WPHS Band Program is well represented.Teachers of the Year, Cherese Fussner and Hunter TabloffSupport Person of the Year, Paul EngelbertSchool mascot Willie the Wildcat rides with Principal Matthew Arnold.Varsity football players welcome the crowd along the route.Tons of candy is tossed throughout the parade.Varsity cheerleaders travel down Park Avenue.Homecoming Court Seniors Cooper Lowe and Olivia FussnerWinter Park Crew show their spirit along with other teams and clubs.Homecoming Court Juniors Mikaela Will and Cameron WoodburnHomecoming Court Sophomores J’lani Miranda and Axel VetelinoHomecoming Court Freshmen Harper Hurd and Finn McKillenHalloween themes were a big part of the parade decor.The Rock Climbing Club show off their own Halloween spirit.A Ghostbusters float courtesy of the senior class.The evening ends with a pep rally for the Friday football game against Ocoee.
