Update: At homecoming on Oct. 16, the four classes went head-to-head in the float competition, making two rounds around the track for an uproarious audience. The senior float, themed Fantasyland, was awarded first place. Over 40 students in costume performed at half time. The sophomores’ New Orleans Square received second, with the juniors’ Adventureland took third. The freshmen rounded out the competition with Tomorrowland. For more information about homecoming, read the Oct. 19 article, Homecoming awards seniors, royal court.
After two years of practicing organization and preparation, the junior class hopes to use their past experiences and losses to outshine their opponents in the 34th annual homecoming float competition, Oct. 16.
As juniors, the class of 2011 was second to pick their theme choice of the lands in Disneyland. Class representative Tim DeGroot supported the selection of Adventureland as the basis to build their float on due to the range of attractions it holds.
“Adventureland opens up so many ideas for our float, which gives us a lot to work with,” DeGroot said. “Disneyland is also a theme many people like, so more people will want to be involved.”
The juniors plan to feature Disney characters Indiana Jones, Tarzan and Jane, as well as a jungle cruise as focal points on their float. The upperclassmen decided to include surprise actions on their float to differentiate themselves from other classes.
“We’re using things on our float for unexpected surprises,” Jessica Massie said. “We will also be very interactive with the crowd.”
After previously receiving last place in the contest two years in a row, Massie offered her home for the float building in hopes of defying the lazy stereotype of the junior class.
“My sister built her school floats at our house, so we were really prepared for it,” Massie said. “I also wanted to make things better for our class and to prove to others that we can come through with a successful float.”
Class representative Bree Ainley says she anticipates success through the leadership capabilities of Massie.
“”I think this year’s float will be more of a success than last year because of the leadership we have,” Ainley said. ” Jessica Massie really took charge. It makes a world of difference when more people help.”
Due to their new strategy of planning followed by immediate action, DeGroot realizes the difference from past years.
“We actually had a plan this year, so during the meetings people were working instead of sitting around,” DeGroot said. “We’ve learned that you can’t just slack and have it get done. We must act on our ideas. Now we actually have people who want to work, help and make a difference because of how we did before. The last two years were motivation for this year.”
Despite the negative opinions some have held of the junior class, Jenna Yee recognizes the strength of the class when they have a willingness to collaborate.
“We can really pull together if we are willing to work,” Yee said. “We can accomplish things, and the result is rewarding. Our float is awesome this year.”
With their more decisive action plan, Massie hopes to alter the lack of participation of her class by rallying together for a sole purpose: triumph over the competition.
“I want to make our float successful in order to get our class more involved,” Massie said. “We want our class to be known for something good, and also want to beat the arrogant sophomores [who won last year].”
According to Ainley, class participation on the float serves as a chance for classes to unite for a single cause.
“Having floats is a great way to show school spirit and just bond with the people in your class,” Ainley said. “It helps boost your morale about the school in general when you get involved. It helps with the float scores, and is loads of fun when more people participate on the float.”
Homecoming 2009 will be held at Clark Intermediate at 7 p.m. The floats will be revealed and judged during half time of the varsity game. For more information, visit the Oct. 6 article, Homecoming redefines Disneyland themes.
