Bonfire tradition continues

Special to the Yorktown News-View

The traditional homecoming bonfire took place again this year. In order to pull off such an event, it takes a group effort and even the cooperation of the weather. Usually, a burn ban, especially when the homecoming game is scheduled early in the season, jeopardizes whether a huge bonfire can occur. This year the weather cooperated, therefore, this tradition was scheduled to be enjoyed by all.

The school and community work together to keep this tradition burning. The Yorktown High School student council with sponsors Monica Myers and Whitney Schroeder help coordinate the actual building of the bonfire. The student body along with help from their parents, city workers, and community members help to construct brush and other wood and materials. All with hopes of having the biggest pile. The athletic booster club helps in conjunction with the others.  They apply the “magical” potions to the burn pile, supply the torches and the burning Y. The local fire department is on standby and helps with the safety as well as putting the fire out at the conclusion of the night.

Of course the actual event is a  community pep rally led by the YHS  cheerleaders as the community  enjoys themselves. Senior football  player Drew Alexander led the senior  boy football players and senior volleyball  players down the hill towards  the bonfire. Athletic Director Coach  Caffey had the honors of lighting the  burning Y in which all the senior athletes  torches were lit from. Of course,  after many cheers to pump the boys  up to beat Brentwood Christian, the  senior class joined hands around the  fire while singing the alma mater.  If you have missed this tradition or  even if you are one of the many who  have attended or participated you  should really consider attending  again next season. Nothing symbolizes  school pride and brings old  school nostalgia like this old tradition  of gathering around a fire surrounded  by friends, classmates, and fans to  wish your team the best of luck.