Grayslake rumbles down 'Jungle'

Plastic monkeys, paper jungle vines and even a Guns 'N Roses tune turned up on floats in Grayslake Central High School's homecoming parade Saturday.

With the school's "Welcome to the Jungle" theme, parade entries featured exotic animals, leopard skin accessories and vines. The school's marching band led the parade, which drew generations of families along Lake and Center streets in downtown Grayslake for the annual tradition.

"Homecoming is so much fun for all of us," said Principal Syd Klocke. "We will be dedicating the fields today to the eight communities that we support, and we'll also recognize the Boosters for all that they do."

Homecoming King Nick Jezierny and Queen Krista Peterson waved to the crowd from an Indy pace car, a bright purple Corvette with yellow hub caps.

"We're doing the wave and throwing out mints," said Peterson, 17. "It's a fun day, especially the dance."

The parade drew entries from many of the high school's clubs and other sports, including soccer, volleyball, sophomore and varsity cheerleaders and varsity and junior varsity poms.

"This is the first time that we (poms) are participating as an in-season sport," said Jennifer Bart, varsity pom coach.

Students had worked together during the week to design their floats.

Despite some last-minute snafus, including a faulty sound system at the senior float, the students were proud of their efforts.

"Our float is titled 'Rams and Roses' and is based on a Guns 'N Roses song, 'Welcome to the Jungle,' " said senior Jessie Verhein, 17.

Alumni participated in the parade, as well, including those celebrating their 40th anniversary with a reunion this weekend.

Shearon Davis Millar came in from Houston, Texas, to celebrate her 40th high school reunion with her friend Gail Loar Miesel of Valparaiso, Ind.

"We've been friends since third grade," Millar said. "We've been having a great time."