Event celebrates city’s school, community spirit
By JOSEFINA CASPER
Waltham Times Contributing Writer
Kerrie Blanchard, a 1988 graduate of Waltham High, doesn’t recall the win-loss records of the school’s sports teams but does remember homecoming week — the dances, the school spirit and the tradition of the homecoming parade.
Blanchard, coach for Waltham High cheerleading since 2012, said she often tells stories about leading the homecoming parade to her cheerleaders.
Now, after a hiatus in having a homecoming parade, her cheerleaders can experience the celebration for themselves with the return of events on Oct. 26.
After noticing the recent years’ lack of a homecoming parade, Alexia Baugniet, a member of the Gridiron Club — an organization dedicated to supporting Waltham Hawk football and cheer students — decided to revive the tradition.
It was her second time doing so. Her first effort was in 2016, when, as student council president and cheer captain, Baugniet was inspired by her coach, Blanchard, to bring back the parade after it had been missing during her first three years of high school.
Baugniet said she believes the parade is important as it represents the community.
“Waltham is a small city, but it’s so large in spirit and hope,” she said.
Parade details
The parade is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. this Saturday, beginning at Kennedy Middle School at 655 Lexington St. The route will go down Lexington Street, proceed through the Piety Corner intersection, continue on Bacon Street and then take a left onto Athletic Field Road to end at Leary Field.
Waltham High’s varsity football team is scheduled to play Newton South High.
Community members can look forward to floats created by Waltham High students and classic convertibles carrying school Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa and city councilors. The homecoming game will kick off at 3 p.m. There will be a float-decorating contest, with the winning float receiving a $200 gift card for a team dinner.
‘We’re all one’
Randy LeBlanc, a Waltham city councilor-at-large and also a member of the Class of 1988, assisted in organizing the parade. LeBlanc, who was a Waltham athlete and played hockey for the high school team, is excited to help “keep traditions alive.” He added, “Hopefully we beat Newton South!”
The homecoming events are significant for Gianna Morreau, a senior and captain of Waltham’s varsity cheerleading team. Not only is it her last time cheering on a team with her sister, but homecoming represents a time of unity.
“At the end of the day, we’re all one,” Morreau said.
Her teammate, Ella Thibodeau, also a senior, recalled having her sophomore year homecoming at Bentley University due to Leary Field renovations. This year marks the first time since her first year that the cheerleaders will lead the parade to their home field.
Blanchard emphasized that Waltham homecoming is for more than just current athletes.
“Any club, team or activity you’re involved in at the high school is welcome to participate in this parade,” she said. Any Waltham student who wears a Waltham jersey will get into the football game for free.
Bobby Lyons, associate principal at Waltham High School, Class of 2025, also played a lead role in organizing the parade. He said he believes the parade will strengthen Waltham’s school culture, especially with the August opening of the new high school building.
“We’re a big city school,” Lynons said, “but we can still rally together.”