Conversation and laughter stream from the Tiger Center toward the front of the Math and Science Building as watermelon is being handed out to attendees. On Monday, Aug. 5, Texas High hosted their annual Watermelon Supper and pep-rally to kick off the new school year for all grade levels. 

The significance of this event dates back many years ago and is recognized as a way to celebrate the new coming school year with a community. 

“It’s just the tradition of it,” superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker said. “This goes back decades that we’ve celebrated the beginning of school this way.” 

Many students and curators of this event see the annual Watermelon Supper as a great way to get everyone energized and motivated for the upcoming year. 

“It really gets the students kicked off for the school year,” senior Bryce DePriest said. “It also gets everybody familiar with what’s going on, plus all the sports get recognition during the pep-rally.” 

Texas High alumni that are currently staff here on campus appreciate the event’s history and weight in terms of school culture. 

“Watermelon Supper has been going on for over 50 years that I know of,” student council director Susan Waldrep said. “I still have a picture of my senior watermelon supper when I was a cheerleader.”

Meet the Teacher preceded this annual event, allowing all students to become familiarized with the teachers they would have for the upcoming year.

“I learned from the teacher where my classes were,” sophomore Charis McCrary said. “I also enjoyed talking to my future teachers and learning about the classes.”

These events stand not only as a tradition for Texas High School students but a staple event for the surrounding community. 

“I love the fact that this is a community event too,” Brubaker said. “It’s not really just for students and staff, it’s for our community.”