DEMOPOLIS – As DHS teacher, Angenelle Jones, stood on the sidewalk as a parade spectator, DHS’ new queen, Gabby Riva, saw the procession from the Homecoming Court float.

Jones, a special needs History, Science and English teacher, said she has been to every DHS parade in the past 24 years except for two.

“The only reason I missed those was because my alma mater, Alabama A&M, was having their homecoming the same weekend and we left town early,” Jones said.

At the start of the parade, Jones said she was especially looking forward to seeing the Homecoming Court, but came out to see all of the students.

“Justin Flowers is wearing the tiger uniform for the first time,” she said.

While Jones was waiting for the parade to start, Rivas was being positioned at the top of a float for her first time as homecoming queen.

“I was a maid last year in the parade as a junior,” Rivas said. “But this feels great. I love to represent my school.”

Although their view of the parade was different, both Jones and Rivas thought DHS would win its Homecoming game.

“They’ve played hard all year and these guys practice hard,” Jones said. “I expect a win and I am hoping for an undefeated season.”

“They’re a good team,” Rivas said. “I think they’ll do pretty well.”