After her dance team’s halftime routine, senior Homecoming Monarch Taylor Chu quickly disappeared from sight to change from her cheer outfit into her sparkling red Homecoming dress. Only a few moments later, she reappeared on a vintage Ford Thunderbird, holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling at the cheering audience.
Getting to sit in the Thunderbird, a fun and exclusive tradition for the Homecoming royalty, was a long awaited experience for her.
“Once I actually stepped into the car, I was really excited because everyone was cheering, and the experience was overall an adrenaline rush,” Chu said.
This long-awaited tradition, which started in 2010, is appreciated by parents, students and staff members alike, and it’s put together by the school’s spirit commission.
Leadership teacher Kristen Cunningham helps the spirit commission by reserving the vintage cars through Santa Clara Valley Thunderbirds, an organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the classic baby birds, which includes the ‘55, ‘56 and ‘57 models.
“It’s a nice way for our Homecoming court to be escorted during the halftime show,” Cunningham said.
Patti Carr and Larry Johnston, one of the car owners at the Homecoming game, said that a lot more goes into the preparation of the cars than most students may realize.
Johnston’s car needs regular maintenance to make sure it keeps running. He and Carr are vigilant about their car’s maintenance, even going as far as wiping down fingerprints after a show.
“It requires a lot of upkeep, and knowing the right mechanic is a big must,” Carr said.
Prior to game day, Carr and Johnston have to prepare the car for the show by wiping it down and bringing a blanket for the students to sit on.
Previously, Carr and Johnston have also brought their car to other shows and parades, such as the annual San Jose Veterans Day parade, the December Toys for Tots drive in San Jose and the Santa Cruz for Birds on the Wharf event at the end of September.
“My favorite part of the night is seeing the excitement of the students and listening to their plans for the future,” Carr said.
The Homecoming halftime parade was again an entertaining and exciting event, with the Thunderbird tradition being one of its largest components that students, parents and staff look forward to.
“Homecoming is a great tradition where everyone comes together. I was really excited to ride in the car this year. ” Chu said. “It was awesome being on court with my friends, and I loved seeing people cheer on the field and in the stands. It was such an amazing experience for me!”
