PARADISE, Texas — Paradise High School launched its 2025 homecoming week in style Monday night with a community celebration that stretched from the heart of town to Panther Stadium.
The evening began with a parade down Stadium Drive and Main Street, where floats, decorated vehicles, and student groups lined the route. Residents packed the sides of the streets to cheer on participants, creating a small-town atmosphere that blended school pride with community tradition.
Following the parade, the celebration shifted to Panther Stadium for “PantherMania,” a showcase of Paradise athletics that introduced teams from the 6U peewee teams to the high school varsity programs. The event spotlighted players, coaches, and cheerleaders across every level, drawing loud applause as each team was recognized.
The night concluded with one of Paradise’s most enduring traditions, the annual burning of the school letters. As flames rose against the September sky, the Paradise band and cheerleaders performed, symbolizing what organizers call the “blazing loyalty” of the town to its school and athletic programs. The moment brought together students, parents, alumni, and supporters, uniting generations of Panthers under one fiery display.
For many, the event marked more than the start of homecoming festivities; it emphasized the connection between Paradise schools and the broader Paradise community. The homecoming week will continue with campus activities, dress-up days, and pep rallies, all leading up to Friday night’s football game at Panther Stadium against Eagle Mountain High School.
Homecoming in Paradise is often described as a “town reunion,” where former students return, families gather, and traditions are passed down. Monday’s kickoff served as both a prelude to the week and a reminder of the school spirit that runs deep in the community.
As the letters burned and the crowd cheered, Paradise made clear that homecoming is more than a game, it is a celebration of identity, pride, and the tradition of being a Panther.
