Thomas Jefferson homecoming parade brings community together

Thomas Jefferson High School kicked off homecoming week Sept. 20 when about 200 students — including members of the TJ homecoming court along with their escorts, senior fall athletes, TJ Jaguar Marching Band and cheerleaders – paraded down the back entrance of the high school, past the gymnasium and ended their route at the Fine Arts entrance.

Each group of students was introduced to the crowd as they made their way around the school. Students decorated cars and parked at Jefferson Hills Intermediate School to line up for the parade. Teachers, parents and community members lined the high school walkways to show their support and celebrate the students.

TJHS teacher and student council advisor Heidi Karcher organized the event, along with student council members.

“Last year, we had a more simple parade that was the precursor to our homecoming carnival. But due to the cancellation of the carnival, I wanted to do something extra special for our seniors since their junior year ended so awkwardly and the start of their senior year is less than ideal,” Karcher said. “Kids need to see and feel the community support. They want to celebrate and I feel the decorating of the cars was a nice way for them to express themselves.”

The district said that the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and they would like to see the parade become an annual event at TJ.

The homecoming parade was live-streamed and can be viewed here. The homecoming football game is Friday against Belle Vernon High School.