A Shawnee tradition is returning to Main Street this fall, and Shawnee High School students are leading the way.
Shawnee High School Student Council, led by teacher Ryan Boren, is bringing back the Shawnee Homecoming Parade on Friday, Sept. 25, as part of the school’s “A Night at the Oscars” Homecoming celebration.
Beginning at 10 a.m., Shawnee Public Schools will roll out the navy carpet and invite the community to pack downtown in navy blue for a student-led celebration of Wolf Pack pride.
“Bringing the Homecoming Parade back is about more than adding another event to Homecoming Week,” Shawnee High School Principal Bobby Cook said. “Our students wanted to create something that brings Shawnee together. Having the parade on Main Street gives our students the opportunity to celebrate their school while inviting the entire community to be part of that tradition.”
The parade will feature the Pride of the Pack, Shawnee Cheer and Pom, Wolves football, Homecoming candidates, and students representing activities, athletics, and organizations from across Shawnee Public Schools.
Hosting the parade in the heart of downtown Shawnee is intentional. Following the parade, families and community members are encouraged to stay downtown, grab lunch at a local restaurant, shop, and support Shawnee businesses.
Another Wolves tradition will also take center stage. For the second year, Shawnee’s Howl Walls will showcase the creativity and Wolf Pack spirit of students and staff across the district.
The decorated panels are created by Shawnee activities, athletic teams, and school sites as part of the Homecoming celebration. This year, the Howl Walls will move downtown for the parade, giving the community an opportunity to see the entries before they return to Jim Thorpe Stadium for Friday night’s football game.
The celebration continues Friday evening at Jim Thorpe Stadium as the Wolves take on Newcastle.
Homecoming ceremonies will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by kickoff at 7 p.m. The Homecoming Court will be crowned during halftime.
From a student-led parade through the heart of downtown to Friday night under the lights, Shawnee Public Schools invites the entire community to wear navy, celebrate its students, and help make the return of the Homecoming Parade a tradition to remember.
Homecoming Schedule — Friday, Sept. 25
10 a.m. — Shawnee Homecoming Parade, Downtown Shawnee
5:30 p.m. — Homecoming Ceremonies, Jim Thorpe Stadium
7 p.m. — Wolves vs. Newcastle
Halftime — Homecoming Court Crowning