Eight years ago, as a fourth grader riding a parade float down Hillcrest Road in a Class of 2025 T-shirt, Eden M. began a tradition she would carry on throughout her high school years.
“When I was little, I would come to Hillcrest games wearing my ‘Class of ‘25’ shirt,” she said. “Last year, it hit how much I’ve grown because there was a sweet little girl with the cheerleaders wearing a ‘Class of ‘33’ shirt–it’s the same shirt I have, so it felt like a full circle moment.”
Hillcrest High School hosts an annual homecoming parade, a 20-year tradition that unites the community by inviting all schools within the Hillcrest vertical team to join in the fun.
“Every organization at Hillcrest has an opportunity to create a float, or sometimes they’re in the back of a pickup truck. The kids like to watch and show their school spirit because the parade is a big climactic moment after the homecoming pep rally,” Florie said. “Last year was the first year I can remember that every school was involved and brought pride across the Hillcrest vertical team,” he said.
The homecoming parade is one of Eden’s favorite high school traditions. This will be the fourth consecutive year she participates as drumline captain by making a float and cheering on her peers. To this day, she still remembers the routine she spent a month learning in fourth grade to Bruno Mars’ song, “Uptown Funk.”
“It’s the part of homecoming week I look forward to the most,” she said. “My freshman year, I remember we got halfway through the parade and our director told us to play as loud as we wanted and it was just amazing.”
Now, as senior class president, she hopes her graduating class will be remembered for its school spirit, radiating as much joy and energy as the generations that came before.
“I want to help carry on that joy,” she said. “It’s slowly hitting me this is my final year here and it’s bittersweet because a part of me doesn’t want to leave–Hillcrest has become my second home.”
Between Hillcrest’s many offerings–advanced placement, E-TECH, international baccalaureate, and more–Eden aspires to be a bridge between students. From 8 a.m. to nearly 8 p.m., she is immersed in campus life—whether it’s band practice, leading the yearbook club as editor-in-chief, or participating in theater. She relies on students from all corners of Hillcrest to help her ensure every student feels they belong.
“I like being the person that someone can look up to, just like I looked up to the seniors my freshman year. I love helping create a better environment for those around me and for myself,” she said. “There’s so many different things about Hillcrest that make it unique and the students who go here unique. Having school spirit and things that unify us, like the way we cheer at football games, senior sunset, or the way we see who can scream the loudest at pep rallies, it makes the high school experience worth it.”
It’s through Hillcrest’s traditions–like the homecoming parade–that forms a greater Hillcrest community, something that Eden says is unique and special.
“I wouldn’t trade the people I’ve met here for anything,” Eden said. “They’ve become my second family. Looking back, I think a part of me always knew that because I’ve been so connected to this community.”
