Homecoming for two local schools

The Central Catholic and Patterson High School students, faculty and staff are celebrating a week of homecoming festivities.
Both schools’ students have dressed up each day based on a particular theme and engaged in competitive class activities.
Central Catholic’s parade begins today at 5:30 p.m.
Afterward, doors open for a red bean dinner at 6 p.m. and pep rally at 7:15 p.m.
Patterson’s parade starts today at 4 p.m., followed by a gumbo dinner sponsored by the athletic booster club. Pep rally is at 7 p.m.
Patterson Mayor Rodney Grogan is sponsoring a community bonfire following the pep rally around 8 p.m. at Park Street Park behind Hattie Watts Elementary School.
Game day is Friday. Because it’s the last district home game for Patterson senior football players, they will be honored during pre-game activities.
The crowning of the homecoming queens will occur at half-time for both schools.
The kings will be crowned during each school’s homecoming dance on Saturday.
Homecoming is an exciting time in the life of Tri-City area teens, especially seniors. But making safe and wise choices is important.
Central Catholic mentioned in a notice on its website a helpful hint to be smart and safe for a successful homecoming week: “Think before you participate in activities that could cause harm and/or damage to others or their property.”
“It’s been actually quiet,” said Morgan City Police Chief James Blair. “The kids have been well-behaved and as always, we’re more concerned about their safety more than anything.”
Blair sent an officer out to Central Catholic earlier in the week to talk to the student body. The purpose was to offer tips on how to approach the homecoming week.
Toilet papering homes are only allowed by consent of the homeowner. The type of condiments used should only be those easily removable.
Extra patrols from the Morgan City Police Department will be dispatched in neighborhoods to try to keep an eye on things, making sure people use common sense, Blair said.
“We have a very good relationship with the schools,” said Patterson Police Chief Patrick LaSalle. “I don’t anticipate anything other than people enjoying themselves.
“We’re going to be proactive wherever there are gatherings in the city. We’ll be looking for underage drinking and driving.”
Patterson Principal Rachel Sanders appreciates the support offered by community members involved with the success of homecoming week.
“Patterson High School would like to say thank you to our parents, booster club, local businesses, community, mayor, and PHS alumni for their loyalty and dedication to the students at PHS,” Sanders said in an email. “We appreciate all that they do!”

This story was written by Shea Drake of The Daily Review staff. Reach her at sdrake@daily-review.com