Area students’ successes over the last year will be on displayThursday evening during a Champions Parade through downtown.

The parade is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at the post office onWest Cherokee Street.

The parade will make the block to Whitworth Avenue, MonticelloStreet, Jackson Street and back to the post office. Mayor BobMassengill will be the parade grand marshal.

Parade chairwoman Rita Rich said the Brookhaven and LincolnCounty school districts, Brookhaven Academy and the MississippiSchool of the Arts have been invited to be part of the parade.

“My wish is that everyone will participate,” Rich said. “This isa celebration and it will be a good time.”

Rich said she had received confirmation from Brookhaven HighSchool officials regarding their participation. BHS athletic andacademic achievements over the last year include state and nationalchampion cheerleaders, state championships in baseball, tennis andfootball, superior marching band ratings, ROTC program recognition,and significant victories for the Science Olympiad and Forensicsteams.

“Right now, BHS is definitely a part of it,” Rich said.

Rich said Lincoln County schools did not resume classes untiltoday and she was awaiting word on their participation. Rich citedthe Loyd Star band’s recent performance in the Liberty Bowl as oneexample of district success.

Also uncertain was participation from MSA students, who haveexcelled in several of their study areas. Rich said BrookhavenAcademy had chosen not to participate.

Rich said she was looking forward to seeing how students andschool officials choose to design their floats.

“We asked them to be as creative as they could with it,” Richsaid.

Rich said it is not often that one community can claim so muchsuccess in a one year.

“It is truly an honor for all of our students in Brookhaven andLincoln County,” Rich said. “We salute them with this parade.”