Penn homecoming rides into year five with parade, football and plenty of fun

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- What began as a new way to celebrate the homecoming game in 2021 has grown into a district-wide celebration for the Penn-Harris-Madison community.

Penn High School held its fifth annual homecoming parade Oct. 2 ahead of the Kingsmen’s football game against the Elkhart Lions.

The celebration brings together students, families and staff from across the district, which includes 15 schools and serves about 11,000 students in northern Indiana.

Unlike many high schools in the area, Penn did not traditionally hold a homecoming dance. That changed in 2021, when the school began organizing a homecoming celebration designed to include the entire district.

“We just wanted to do more,” says Jennifer Turnblom, executive director of the Penn Harris Madison Education Foundation. “Our district is so amazing and I wanted to find a way to celebrate that.”

The event has quickly become a favorite for students.

“I’m really excited, actually. I’ve been waiting all year!” says Hunter Leahy, a Grissom Middle School student.

Each year, organizers have added new activities to the celebration. This year’s event included a mechanical bull among the attractions.

But the homecoming celebration is about more than football and entertainment. It also serves as a fundraiser for programs supported by the PHM Education Foundation.

Turnblom said this year’s event will help fund $100,000 in innovative teacher grants for schools throughout the district.

The homecoming parade featured clubs from Penn High School, along with representation from every elementary and middle school in the district.

The event is organized with support from local sponsors and participation from schools throughout the district, with organizers aiming to make the annual celebration bigger each year.