After high school traditions were disrupted the past couple of years due to the pandemic, the 2021-22 school year has returned to a bit of normalcy for students at Riverbank High School. As students were “Roaring through the Decades” this past week for Fall Homecoming, the school spirit was high and the festivities memorable.

“Overall, Fall Homecoming was a huge success,” stated RHS History teacher and Leadership Advisor Ray Perez. “This year was a team effort with a huge help from Melissa Werner. Leadership students exceeded my expectations. They did such a wonderful job with implementing everything that was planned. From the posters, lunch time activities, spirit count, rally, parade, and crowning of royalty during halftime of the game.”

Ainsley Wood was selected as Homecoming Queen while Freddie Anderson received the crown as Homecoming King.

With dress days, lunch time activities, a rally, parade, Powder Puff, and the Homecoming football game there was plenty of excitement and energy coming from the RHS campus.

“I like how everyone participated in all the activities that took place,” remarked student Carina Barragan. “It brought everyone together.”

“I enjoyed the whole environment, especially Powder Puff,” added student Marissa Cruz. “All the girls came together and showed teamwork.”

Perez agreed the Powder Puff Game was memorable, with the senior/freshmen team topping the junior/sophomore squad.

“They boys did amazing with their cheer routines showing so much enthusiasm and energy. The game was definitely very memorable. Both teams were very athletic,” Perez noted. “There were over 400 in attendance for the game.”

Last week on Thursday students relished in a rally out on the football field. Freddie Anderson and Jeremiah Mangiapane had the duties of emceeing the event. Grand Marshal, John Tivald, RHS Economics teacher addressed the crowd and Anderson shared info about his teaching career at RHS. The cheer squad and the band were on hand to stir up Fall Homecoming excitement. The spirit competition included a traditional noise fest between classes to see which class had the most school spirit.

Homecoming King and Queen Candidates were introduced to the crowd, and when that was finished, they competed in a dance-off down on the track, in front of the grandstand. The candidates were so engaged in their dance-off, they ran out of time to play the games that organizers had scheduled.

Continuing with tradition, there was a parade held on Friday in downtown Riverbank that included marching units, vehicles with royalty, and class floats. The parade was well attended by spectators.

“My favorite part of homecoming was the parade because we were able to play music,” said student Cristian Fuentes. “All the students were very excited to be there and a lot of people showed up.”

The parade route began at the Community Center Park, went west on Stanislaus, then north on Third Street, past City Hall South, then turned east on Santa Fe, next to City Hall North and Plaza del Rio Park, then headed back to Community Center to disband. Organizers wanted to end the parade pointed toward the campus.

“The parade turned out very well,” said Perez. “It was a great turnout as many students, city businesses, and Cardozo Middle School attended.”

The parade was led by Riverbank Police Services Chief Ed Ridenour and Deputy Xiong in a patrol car with lights and sirens. Next in line was Grand Marshal Tivald. The various vehicles transporting the Homecoming royalty advanced in line and then AVID, Skills USA, the cheer squad, the Band and Drumline, the Flag Team and then the Bruin football team proceeded on foot. The class floats were next with each float decorated with their designated decade.

“There was a good turnout for the parade, it was great to see everyone there,” added Ridenour.

The senior class float celebrated ‘Back to the Eighties,’ and was to be awarded first place in scoring, which helped the Class of 2022 to take the Homecoming Trophy that was awarded during halftime at the varsity football game later that night.

“Thanks to Brittany Fiore and Michael Thomas who made up a huge Bruin trophy for the spirit week winners,” expressed Perez. “Seniors won the spirit week trophy that will be displayed in Monte Wood’s classroom.”

District Superintendent Christine Facella said it was good to see students and the community residents enjoying the Bruin celebration.

“We had the rally on Thursday and the Homecoming parade on Friday and I have to say there was a tremendous amount of school spirit on display for both events,” said Facella. “On Thursday I attended the Powder Puff Football Game and that was so much fun. The teams playing football were very competitive in their flag football play. Even the coaches got involved in it in terms of being competitive! The girls showed their skills in throwing and running with the ball. So much excitement in the stands from parents and also students.”

Her sentiments were much the same for the Friday night football.

“Everyone was so happy to be there and to be able to watch football that was competitive,” she said. “Our Bruins are really coming along in their football skills. It was almost as if we could forget COVID and its impact for a short time.”

And even though Fall Homecoming has come to an end, the memories will live on with the students.

Perez also had a list of people he wanted to thank “for all their hard work and dedication” during Homecoming week.

“Advisors Jimmy Zepeda, Melissa Werner and Brittany Fiore, Nick Aprile, Monte Wood, Ron Werner with the City of Riverbank, and teachers Michael Thomas and Cory Casteel,” noted Perez. “This was a huge team effort and these are the moments that make me appreciate working at RHS.”

News Correspondent Ric McGinnis contributed to this story.