For 11 years, Tom Alexander stood at the podium in front of a large Homecoming crowd and served as the master of ceremonies as the Homecoming Court was announced and the grand marshal was honored. It was one of his many duties as principal of Avon Grove High School.

At this year’s Homecoming, Alexander was back at the same podium, but for a very different reason. Alexander was promoted to a position in the district’s central office in July, and the students in the high school decided to honor the former principal by naming him the grand marshal of the Homecoming Parade.

Emma Daly, the president of the high school's student council, introduced Alexander, outlining some of his contributions to the district. She explained that his 25-year career at Avon Grove began when he was a teacher at the Fred S. Engle Middle School. Alexander subsequently served as an assistant principal and principal at the school. Then he moved on to the high school, to serve as the principal there. The district tapped him to be the director of educational support services at the end of the last school year.

“I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we were sad to see Mr. A. leave the high school,” Daly said. “We wish him well on his new position.”

Alexander’s gratitude for the Avon Grove community was evident during his speech.

“Why is Avon Grove so special?” He asked. “It has a lot of heart. Avon Grove will always be the place that I consider home.”

New high school principal Scott DeShong oversaw his first Homecoming celebration. He complimented the students on the tremendous school spirit that they showed during the week of activities.

This year’s Homecoming Court included freshman class representatives Alex Alvarez and Suzanne Saienni, sophomore representatives Brandon Bryant and Kirsten Banter, junior representatives Timothy DeVoll and Lexi Harrison, and the Homecoming King and Queen, seniors James Petrison and Elizabeth Bavuso.