November 1, 2008

A running play from the 8-yard line pushes the score to 28-0 during the third quarter.

Homecoming 2008

Willow Glen holds 58th homecoming parade, game
and dance

By Carol Rosen
Editor

It’s the 58th year for Willow Glen High School and its annual homecoming parade, game and dance came off without a hitch.

The day started early with the parade. Crowds began to gather on Lincoln Avenue and Minnesota where the parade would end before 9 a.m. When the parade, led by police officers finally reached Lincoln, the crowds started cheering.

The parade starts at the school and winds through the area to start up Lincoln at Willow ending shortly after the elementary school. It wasn’t the longest parade, but it was a lot of fun, with a number of old cars, mostly from the late 40s and early 50s, followed by homecoming royalty and then by floats done by the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes. There was also music presented by youngsters from around Willow Glen and southern San Jose making up the marching band.

District 6 Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio who graduated from Willow Glen High in 1988, was one of the parade leaders waving and shouting to the crowds on Lincoln Avenue.
During the third quarter of the game, cheerleaders led the crowd of students, parents and alumni through several cheers as the players continued to score. Photos by Carol Rosen

Leading off the parade were former alumnus and current District 6 Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio. He was followed by the San Jose Unified School Board trustee from the area, Pam Foley, who also is chair of the board.

The parade was quite lively, with cheerleaders dancing to the music and others throwing red and white little balls from the floats. There were a number of students dressed in red and white on scooters and skateboards gliding through the streets.

San Jose Police Department officers led, facilitated, cleared traffic and followed the last car in the parade.
Fans attending the afternoon football game watched as Willow Glen trounced Yerba Buena High School with a score of 28-0.

This is the fourth year the school has offered game attendees a chance to wander around a craft fair during the game. This year, the venue moved back to near the bleachers. Most of the 38 participating vendors were pleased with the crowd’s response noting that business was good.

“It’s a nice crowd,” said another, adding that “business is pretty good. It’s not overwhelming, but it is pleasant and relaxing and very welcoming,” said another who added that it was a beautiful day to spend outside watching the football game and selling crafts.