CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Hundreds of community members came out to support Zama Middle High School’s Homecoming Week, lining the streets here for a parade and filling the bleachers at Trojan Field to watch a gridiron victory Sept. 29.
The parade, and football game later that night against the Edgren Middle High School Eagles, capped off a week of activities meant to bolster the Trojans’ school spirit, including themed dress-up days and a “Powder Puff” flag football game.
Seeing the crowds of people who showed their support for the Trojans was a testament to the bond the school has with the community here, said ZMHS Principal Henry LeFebre. Carrying on the many traditions of Homecoming is important for many reasons, he said.
“Homecoming events are an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate, [and they] boost school spirit and pride for our community,” LeFebre said. “It has a positive impact on our students, knowing that the community holds them and the school in high regard, [and it] fosters tradition and a sense of culture.”
The parade began at the ZMHS campus and followed a route that took it through the central part of the installation. Students and faculty from various athletic and extracurricular organizations, Soldiers, and other community members marched or drove vehicles through the streets. Many of them shouted cheers of “Go Zama!” while others waved at and handed out candy to spectators.
Sarah Canlas, parent of a freshman at ZMHS, said she came to the parade to support the school and to see her daughter, who she said just started in the Trojans’ cheer program.
Junia Georges-Vaughn came from nearby Naval Air Facility Atsugi to show her support.
“We love the parade,” Georges-Vaughn said. “It’s a good way for the students here to feel supported and know that we’re here for them.”
Chayden Williams, 17, a senior and member of the Trojans’ varsity football team, was on a float with his teammates for the parade. Hours before the game, he assured the team was going to play hard and make it a memorable night.
“We’re making everybody in the community feel like they’re a part of our family, because that’s what they are,” Williams said.
The Trojans made good on Williams’ promise, exhibiting some of their best playing all season against Edgren and continuing their seasons-long undefeated streak with a 21-7 win over the Eagles. Trojan head coach Scott Bolin said the team’s victory was an excellent step in their continued pursuit of making it to the D2 Far East Championship game.
“Giving our players and students the bonus of a great high school memory added to the general celebration of the win,” Bolin said. “All of the events in and out of the school surrounding Homecoming Week feel worth it when you can secure the win on the football field.”
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