By Cyanne Ito
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Homecoming is not only a time for the MHS student body to come together, but the community as well. This unity is evident in the parade, where everyone young and old came to reminisce, look forward to, and enjoy his or her years in high school.
Homecoming is the time for alumni to come back to their alma mater. This year Miss Hawaii 2011 Lauren Cheape and Mrs. Hawaii Christie Oclaray, who are MHS alumnae participated in the homecoming parade. Both Cheape and Oclaray felt that the festivities gave them a chance to reminisce in their high school experiences.
“Mililani was my alma mater so wherever I am today, or whoever I am today is a lot due to the teachers, the counselors, the staff, the friends at Mililani,” said Oclaray who looked forward to participating in MHS’ homecoming festivities, the parade in particular which consisted of the MHS marching band, cheerleaders, and football players, Mililani’s elementary schools, Mililani Middle School, and Representative Marilyn Lee as well as Cheape and Oclaray.
They marched from the Mililani Town Center, passing Mililani Waena and Kipapa Elementary Schools, and ended at the MHS stadium. Current MHS students and pageant titleholders were also recognized in the parade. Miss Hawaii World, Junior Gabrielle Reznik participated in the parade festivities, however, Miss Hawaii’s Outstanding Teen, Junior Briana Garrido could not attend the homecoming parade this year.
The events brought back many memories for Cheape, a 2005 graduate. “I remember when I was in high school I loved homecoming, I was in all of the lip syncs. I was actually just watching my (graduation) video the other day … and (I remember being) in the parade as well, it’s so much fun,” Cheape reminisced.
Both were glad to see MHS students representing their school just as they had. “It feels nice to see all you … young adults representing Mililani proudly,” said Oclaray.
Through the parade, alumni of MHS are given a chance to come back, show school spirit and remember their high school days.
