In the past, Italy High School was able to celebrate Homecoming with a bonfire. Then for many years, because of the burn ban or other inabilities to organize, the Seniors did not have one. This year, though not a school sponsored event, they have come full circle and achieved the bonfire once more!

Italy High School’s senior class president, Trevor Davis, wanted a traditional bonfire to celebrate Homecoming. With a little help from his friends and a couple of adults, Davis achieved his goal. One of his first obstacles was finding a safe place for the burn. Tony Arriaga, Raymond’s dad, was persuaded and offered his land for the festivity. “I knew the kids needed a place to have the bonfire and I wanted to help. As long as the fire department was on the scene, I knew it would be ok,” Arriaga said confidently. With this hurdle overcome, Davis gathered some firewood and few trinkets from area rivals and set the date.

Several people from the community showed up but mostly senior students were there. They congregated around the fire and set torches. The fire built and with the momentum of the burn, the cheerleaders gave cheers and the Seniors sang “Lean On Me” in unison. The Italy Fire Department and their brush truck were on hand to make sure everything was under control and it stayed that way until the end.

Jasmine Wallace and Chase Michaels even threw a “Wortham Bulldog” on top of the pile. Was it magic? Some say it was. Whatever the spell cast, it all must have worked because the Italy Gladiators shut out the Bulldogs 39-0 at Friday night’s game and the Seniors came together. It was all worth it.