Jets ‘give back’ at homecoming parade

Juniors at James Clemens High School built their “Can the Senators” float in 2014. The juniors collected canned food for Manna House in Huntsville. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – In 2014, James Clemens High School classes and clubs rethought their homecoming celebration. On Sept. 24, that tradition continues with the second annual “Give Back Homecoming Parade.”

“We didn’t want lame floats (or) to use large amounts of time and money to build great ones,” sponsor and math department lead Melanie Turner said. “We wanted something we were proud to put the ‘James Clemens’ name on.”

The Jets resolved to use float materials that they could donate after the parade. “What if we used our time and resources to help others and give back to our community?” Turner said. “That fit! That’s what James Clemens is all about.”

For 2015, float themes include “School the Spartans” with juniors collecting school supplies for Kids to Love. Sophomores chose “Ruff Up the Spartans” with donations to Madison Animal Rescue Foundation (MARF).

Seniors are accepting socks and underwear to “Sock it to the Spartans.” Using “Soar Over the Spartans,” the dance team is collecting toys and clothes for Salvation Army Angel Tree. Cheerleaders are collecting canned food with “Can the Spartans.”

“We’ll have students handing out balloons for a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Turner said. To “Stuff the Spartans,” freshmen will donate stuffed animals to Madison Police Department.

Other participants include Beta Club, Toys for Tots; ROTC, “Mulch Mountain Brook,” garden supplies; FCCLA, candy; swim team, “Soak the Spartans,” bottled water; and Construction Academy, cash for Foundation for Tomorrow.

Individuals can donate items on campus, during the parade and at powder-puff game dubbed “Beauties in the Halls – Beasts on the Field” at the stadium after the parade.

Parade grand marshals will be superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler, Madison Board of Education and Mayor Troy Trulock.

Parade lineup starts at 4 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Insanity Complex on Mill Road. Stepping out at 5:30, the parade will march on Mill Road, Church Street and end on Front Street.

Fine arts teacher Mason Overcash also is assisting with homecoming.

The Jets will compete against Mountain Brook High School at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25.