By Jessica Tuggle
jtuggle@hometownnewsol.com
SEBASTIAN - For the first time in its 19-year history, Sebastian River High School's homecoming celebration will be punctuated with a festive community parade.
Michael Stutzke, athletic director of Sebastian River High School, said the city has been very supportive in the school's quest for a larger community celebration for homecoming week.
"They are behind us 100 percent," he said.
Acting as parade chairman, Mr. Stutzke is lining up groups to participate in floats, walk and celebrate with the school during the Oct. 4 parade.
Some of the groups signed up to participate include Fellsmere and Sebastian elementary schools, the Sebastian Police Department, the Indian River County Sheriff's Office and the Indian River County Fire Department.
The Sebastian Lions Club deserves a lot of thanks for their help in guiding the high-school parade committee, Mr. Stutzke said.
The parade lineup will begin at 3 p.m. at the boat ramp on the corner of Main Street and Indian River Drive. The parade route will continue south on Indian River Drive to Riverview Park. Applications for the parade will be accepted through Sept. 21.
"This is a community celebration, a chance for the community to come out and see the youth that represent the community in athletic competition. It's for inviting alumni back to experience it again. And who doesn't like a parade?" Mr. Stutzke said.
The parade will be led by the 2011-12 class 7A girls basketball state champions-Sebastian's own Sharks.
"We're very proud of these young ladies. That's a significant accomplishment," Mr. Stutzke said.
The Sharks finished the season with a 25-3 record.
Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the school and it has grown so much and has a lot of be proud of, said Mr. Stutzke, who has been with the school since it began in 1994.
The school has introduced sports such as rugby, lacrosse and rowing to the area, and has seen more than 20 graduates go onto military academies in the U.S.
"We hope the community will rally around its youth, support them and recognize what they exemplify, our future," Mr. Stutzke said.
Organizations interested in participating in the parade can contact Mr. Stutzke for more information. For more news from Sebastian River High School, visit www.indianriverschools.org/srhs.