Spirited week at James Clemens leads to homecoming night

During homecoming week at James Clemens High School, a vagabond array of over-the-hill rockers, dastardly villains and 1950s teenyboppers are walking the halls — and that’s just the teachers.

Teachers dressed as "Men in Black," Captain America, Pink Ladies and a witch.

Each day this week, students, faculty and staff are dressing up to raise school spirit for the homecoming game when the James Clemens Jets battle the Austin High School Black Bears from Decatur. Kickoff time is 7 p.m. on Oct. 12 in Madison City Schools Stadium.

During “Rock Star Day” on Oct. 8, numerous girls wore massively teased hair and leggings of the 1980s. Teachers Joelle Lilavois and Kristin Taylor opted for the ‘Pink Lady’ look from “Grease,” while Kim Johnson was the life of the party as rocker Pink.

For “Movie Day,” the senior class portrayed Hollywood celebrities from classic films. Juniors slunk around James Clemens as zombies and creatures from science fiction and horror movies. Sophomores depicted characters in action movies, while the freshmen dressed as cast members of comedies.

Oct. 10 was declared “Superhero and Villain Day” at James Clemens. Was that teacher Lee Jeffreys assuming the persona of Captain America? That evening, the homecoming court and their families were treated to dinner.

For “Salad Dressing Day,” the senior class donned togas and laurel leaves as ‘Caesar.’ Juniors dressed in tropical garb for ‘Thousand Island.’ The sophomores claimed the Jersey Shore vibe for ‘Italian.’ For a ‘Ranch’ theme, the freshman dressed as cowboys and Indians.

Button-down Oxford shirts and penny loafers will be en vogue for “Traditions Day” on Oct. 12. That afternoon at 2:45 p.m., parents are invited to attend the pep rally in the James Clemens competition gym.

The homecoming parade will start on Oct. 11 at 5:45 p.m. Entries will line up at 4:30 p.m. at Infinity Skate Park. For the parade theme “Battle the Bears,” classes and clubs will decorate floats that depict epic battles.

Parade entries will exit Skate Park Drive, march west on Mill Road and turn south on Church Street to proceed through Madison’s downtown historic district. After crossing the railroad tracks, the parade will take Main Street to turn south on Garner Street and east on Lanier Road. The last turn is south on Celtic Drive to disband at the stadium.