VISD trustees hash out Homecoming protocols

Vernon High School Homecoming is a go, at least for the moment. Homecoming week is next week, with the crowning at half-time of next Friday’s football game.

The Vernon Independent School District board of trustees discussed Homecoming activities as part of Monday’s regular meeting for September. Vernon High School Principal Tommy Cummings said he needed the trustees’ feedback on how to handle Homecoming during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“I need to know what we want that to look like. I need to know what you guys are thinking,” he told the board.

He asked if they should have the regular pep rally in the gym, or if they should explore other options, such as a parade, or a pep rally in the stadium?

Cummings suggested a parade. Questions were raised about liability issues and community members griping about using a city fire truck.

Concerns were raised about a pep rally, and following social distance guidelines.

“If we can have a football game in the stadium, we can have a socially distanced pep rally,” Byrd said.

The consensus from the discussion was to try and have a pep rally on Wednesday afternoon at the football stadium, if the weather cooperates. Students will sit on one side, while parents and community members will sit on the other side of the stadium.

“I think that will ease a lot of minds,” Cummings said.