Italy, Texas — Gladiator faithful lined main street Friday afternoon in anticipation of the Italy Homecoming parade that departed the Italy High School campus at 3:00 p.m. The Italy Police Department with sirens blaring and Mayor Frank Jackson led the way as the sounds of the Gladiator Regiment Marching Band entertained well wishers along the route.

With candy being tossed into the crowd, Homecoming Court Princesses Sierra Harrris, Kelsey Nelson and Haylee Love arrived in style followed by Homecoming Queen nominees Bailey Bumpus, Sa’Kendra Norwood and Megan Richards, and then, Jimesha Reed and Destani Anderson as all the Lady Gladiator beauties waved from their convertible chariots.

The Gladiators were next in tow, driving in courtesy of Helms Garage. School clubs also participated in the parade including the Italy FFA and the IHS Student Council and National Honor Society represented by Cole Hopkins and Caden Jacinto.

Among the businesses represented by floats were Varner’s Fina, with Jill Varner tossing candy from the sunroof while her mother, Kim, was behind the wheel and father, Stevan, waved from the Fina Station lot as they passed.

Following the parade was a rousing pep rally that featured speeches from Bryant Cockran and Richard Cook. Clover Stiles was the Master of Ceremonies as the Italy High School Cheerleaders, the Italy Jr. High Cheerleaders and the IYAA C, B, and A-Team Cheerleaders performed cheers, dances and stunts.

Homecoming King nominees Larry Mayberry, Jr., Omar Estrada, Brandon Souder, Alex DeMoss and Ethan Saxon were introduced with Estrada receiving the Homecoming King honor and a ceremonial sash from last year’s king, Jasenio Anderson.

Brittany Chambers and the entire cheerleading cast marveled parade goers with a special stunt that rivaled the height of the Italy water tower that oversaw the celebration taking place at the site of the recently removed community center. For a few moments, the empty lot across from Italy City Hall was revived with that same old Gladiator spirit as the historical location managed to produce exciting new memories.

Students circled for a rendition of the school song and then huddled in for an, “1, 2, 3, Italy Family!” After the pep rally, the Gladiators were locked away inside George E. Scott Coliseum (old Italy gym) were they viewed a video to help them prepare for their Friday night Homecoming game against Blooming Grove. As the last piece of candy was gathered from the street, Italy Gladiator flags continued to wave in front of downtown businesses in support of Italy’s talented students.

Italy Booster Club president Erick Thompson wishes to thank all the volunteers and participants that helped make Italy Homecoming 2011 one to be remembered.

Go Gladiators!