Rio Hondo celebrates 50th homecoming

RIO HONDO - Hours before Rio Hondo High School held its annual homecoming parade Wednesday, students and school officials probed phone books in search of alumni.

Karen Waters, the school's librarian, was asking members of the first homecoming court in 1958 if they were interested in participating in the 50th homecoming.

"They're all so honored," Waters said. "They all say, ‘Sure, I can go to the parade.'"

On Friday, the Rio Hondo Bobcats will face the Progreso Red Ants in the last home game of the season.

In honor of the 50th homecoming, the student council wants members of the 1958 homecoming court to honor the new court Friday night, Jeremy Villarreal, 17, said.

"We want the court to be in the parade," said Villarreal, the senior class ambassador.

Junior Leslie Lozano said Jose Hinojosa, who played at the 1958 homecoming game as a halfback, has been resourceful in contacting homecoming participants.

"It's really exciting because we get to hear their stories and for them it's kind of a reunion," Lozano said.

While traditionally the previous year's homecoming king and queen crown the newest king and queen, Villarreal and Lozano say members of the 1958 court will crown this year's king and queen.

Waters said the school is also looking for the cheerleaders and pep squad members from that year.

About eight of the original football players are expected to attend the game, she added. Lozano said a total of 20 people from the first homecoming will attend the game.

"It's exciting for these people," Waters said. "People tell you you're special in high school. Fifty years later, they're being told again."

Both Villarreal and Lozano said they're looking forward to meeting high school alumni.

"I would like to ask how it's changed," Villarreal said.