James Madison High School kicked off their homecoming festivities last Friday with a parade down Maple Avenue. Local officials Jane Seeman, Vienna town mayor, Cathy Hudgins, Fairfax County Board Supervisor, and Ernestine Heastie, Fairfax County School Board member attended.
Class floats, as well as floats by several student groups, started at Mill Street and ended at the high school. Afterwards, junior and senior girls participated in a Powder Puff football game.
"The parade is a tangible one where you can see a great result," said student government representative and senior Cindy Hamblen, when asked why she participates in the parade's planning. Hamblen served as committee head for the preparations. "I can see the outcome of all the hard work that we've done."
Vienna resident Angela Ellis was one of the spectators who saw the parade go by. Her daughter, Annie, is a freshman in the band. It was her first time to attend the annual tradition.
"Can you tell, with the camera and everything?" Ellis said while holding a video camcorder.
Hamblen said her favorite part of the parade is being on a float, and seeing children waving at the while cars honk on 123.
"We just want to show the community that we have school spirit," Hamblen said.
The James Madison Warhawks won their game against Robert E. Lee High School, 28-6.