Special moments from Italy’s 2014 Bonfire, Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally

Image: Jr. High cheerleader and Gladiator mascot Virginia Stephens rides in style with an Italy fire truck serving as their war chariot during Italy’s 2014 Homecoming Parade. Jon Proud and Brad Chambers are in the cab.

Jr. High cheerleader and Gladiator mascot Virginia Stephens rides in style with an Italy fire truck serving as their war chariot during Italy’s 2014 Homecoming Parade. Jon Proud and Brad Chambers are in the cab. (Barry Byers)

Image: The IYAA B-team Gladiator cheerleaders are trucking along during the homecoming parade with cheer sponsors Kia Hugghins and Melissa Souder having fun as well.

The IYAA B-team Gladiator cheerleaders are trucking along during the homecoming parade with cheer sponsors Kia Hugghins and Melissa Souder having fun as well. (Barry Byers)

Image: The IYAA A-team Gladiators roll down the parade route with plenty of team spirit.

The IYAA A-team Gladiators roll down the parade route with plenty of team spirit. (Barry Byers)

Image: The IYAA A-team cheerleaders add their personal touch to the homecoming parade.

The IYAA A-team cheerleaders add their personal touch to the homecoming parade. (Barry Byers)

Image: The IYAA C-team Gladiators make a bold prediction for their upcoming homecoming game.

The IYAA C-team Gladiators make a bold prediction for their upcoming homecoming game. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy firefighter Brandon Jacinto and cheerleaders Zac Mercer, Brooke DeBorde, K’Breona Davis, Britney Chambers and Ashlyn Jacinto wave and throw candy to the crowd.

Italy firefighter Brandon Jacinto and cheerleaders Zac Mercer, Brooke DeBorde, K’Breona Davis, Britney Chambers and Ashlyn Jacinto wave and throw candy to the crowd. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Italy Lady Gladiator volleyball players take time out for their parade before taking care of business against the Dallas Gateway Lady Gators to win in three straight sets.

The Italy Lady Gladiator volleyball players take time out for their parade before taking care of business against the Dallas Gateway Lady Gators to win in three straight sets. (Barry Byers)

Image: Even the adults have fun being in the parade as driver Courtney Owens and candy thrower April Mathers share in the excitement.

Even the adults have fun being in the parade as driver Courtney Owens and candy thrower April Mathers share in the excitement. (Barry Byers)

Image: Riders from Flying Dollar of Italy participate in the parade.

Riders from Flying Dollar of Italy participate in the parade. (Barry Byers)

Image: Julie Hinz, ranch manage at Flying Dollar Ranch of Italy, saddled up for the homecoming parade.

Julie Hinz, ranch manage at Flying Dollar Ranch of Italy, saddled up for the homecoming parade. (Barry Byers)

Image: Ariana Ward horsebacks honoring the Gladiators!

Ariana Ward horsebacks honoring the Gladiators! (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy HS alumni Chase Hamilton (2013) Gladiator’s up for the homecoming cause against Dawson.

Italy HS alumni Chase Hamilton (2013) Gladiator’s up for the homecoming cause against Dawson. (Barry Byers)

Image: Everybody settles in for the pep-rally under the pavilion.

Everybody settles in for the pep-rally under the pavilion. (Barry Byers)

Image: Lille Perry sounds the war hymn, summoning Gladiator Nation to the pavilion.

Lille Perry sounds the war hymn, summoning Gladiator Nation to the pavilion. (Barry Byers)

Image: Noel Ramirez and Elliott Worsham pound the Gladiator war drums.

Noel Ramirez and Elliott Worsham pound the Gladiator war drums. (Barry Byers)

Image: Whitney Wolaver and Stockard Smithwick drum out the beat of champions.

Whitney Wolaver and Stockard Smithwick drum out the beat of champions. (Barry Byers)

Image: Band member Cassidy Gage is ready for the pep-rally.

Band member Cassidy Gage is ready for the pep-rally. (Barry Byers)

Image: Drum majors Vanessa Cantu and Alexis Sampley.

Drum majors Vanessa Cantu and Alexis Sampley. (Barry Byers)

Image: IYAA C-team football player Ramzi Holt(33) has the Gladiator spirit.

IYAA C-team football player Ramzi Holt(33) has the Gladiator spirit. (Barry Byers)

Image: Congratulations to the 2014 Homecoming King Chace McGinnis!!!

Congratulations to the 2014 Homecoming King Chace McGinnis!!! (Barry Byers)

Image: IYAA C-team cheerleaders are proud to be a part of the pep-rally.

IYAA C-team cheerleaders are proud to be a part of the pep-rally. (Barry Byers)

Image: The big kids inspire the little kids but the little kids can inspire the big kids as well.

The big kids inspire the little kids but the little kids can inspire the big kids as well. (Barry Byers)

Image: Hannah, Madison, Betty, Shelly and Mike.

Hannah, Madison, Betty, Shelly and Mike. (Barry Byers)

Image: Detrick, Zain, Michelle on the back row and Tina, Andrea, Preslee (as a football) and Alexis on the front row.

Detrick, Zain, Michelle on the back row and Tina, Andrea, Preslee (as a football) and Alexis on the front row. (Barry Byers)

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