Every year it is a homecoming tradition to crown Grand Marshall for the school year. For those who don’t know, the Grand Marshall is a staff member that embodies somebody who shows spirit throughout the school year, as well as someone that students can feel safe and comfortable with. Last year the Grand Marshall was Mrs. Burton, who has represented Ripon High school for many years.
This year for the 2024-25 school year, leadership has chosen Mrs. Paris to be our Grand Marshall! Mrs. Paris is the perfect person to represent the title, as she has a very spirited personality and shows great compassion to all of her students. Senior Elias Ramirez who is ASB vice president and a past student of Paris says, “Since Mrs. Paris teaches freshman, she sets a really strong tone for the rest of our years of high school. She makes strong lasting bonds throughout the 4 years and almost everyone in leadership has had her so she was a really easy pick.”
This is Paris’s fifth year at Ripon High School and is her 18th year in teaching. She feels incredibly fortunate to teach in the community where she lives. She cherishes her supportive staff, but the students are what she describes as her true delight. She describes the constant respect she receives from students as what makes her job more rewarding.
When speaking with Paris, you can see the bright light and the kindness she carries. “I felt a mix of surprise, excitement, and honor when I was chosen as Grand Marshall. It’s a meaningful recognition and being Grand Marshall has been such an honor. I genuinely care about my students as individuals and wholeheartedly believe in their potential for success. It means a lot to me that they appreciate my feelings for them and recognize my support and dedication. It inspires me to continue supporting them and I am proud to be a part of their journey.”
Throughout the week of homecoming Paris got to be a part of a few of the events such as coronation, lip sync, and of course, riding in the parade. Paris said this experience really pushed her out of her comfort zone and encouraged her to try things she wouldn’t normally do. She typically prefers to stay in the background, but experiencing this was a reminder to embrace new challenges. She had a great time bonding with the homecoming court; “they are such an awesome group of students, and connecting with them made it all the more enjoyable!”
Ripon High’s principal, Keith Rangel, felt Paris was the perfect pick for this year’s Grand Marshal. He states, “Mrs Paris makes Ripon High School a better place daily with her ability to blend empathy, flexibility and accountability to all her students. She is loved and respected by her students for her dedication and hard work.”
Thank you Mrs. Paris for always being that positive staff member students can count on daily.
