09/11/2026
Announcing our 2026 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall - Mrs. Denise Humphries!
A perennial tradition and popular community event, the 57th consecutive Haughton High Homecoming Parade will roll Sep. 17th, beginning at 6 P.M. The parade, which will include many school and community non-profit and non-political groups, is sponsored by the Haughton High Student Council and marshaled by the school’s J.R.O.T.C. corps. It will begin in the school’s student parking lot and follow a route of south on North Hazel, left onto South Myrtle, right on West Jackson, right again on South Elm (Hwy. 157), with a final turn at the Haughton Post Office on West McKinley Street leading back to the high school. The school is located at 210 E. McKinley in Haughton. Parade route roads will close at 5:30 P.M.
HHS Principal Mr. David Haynie is proud to announce Denise Humphries as the 2026 parade Grand Marshal. A beloved educator and longtime member of the Haughton community, Humphries spent 33 years in education, including 17 years at Haughton High School. During her teaching career, she taught a wide range of subjects, including World Geography, World History, American History, Sociology, Louisiana History, AP Human Geography, and AP European History.
Her love of teaching began when she was a high school student herself. She recalls falling in love with history because of teachers who “made it come alive” for her. That experience inspired her career in education and shaped how she connected with generations of students.
Homecoming has been a meaningful tradition for Humphries throughout her life. As a teenager, she fondly remembers making homecoming floats with her friends. Later, as a teacher, one of her favorite homecoming memories was chaperoning the dance and watching students dress up and enjoy the celebration. She also counts the annual dress-up days and pep rally among her favorite homecoming traditions.
For Humphries, however, the significance of homecoming extends far beyond the festivities. It represents the close-knit community that has been such an important part of her life: “Haughton means family. We stick together and support our own,” Humphries said. She described the unique experience of living in a community where a simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a series of conversations with friends and familiar faces. As she puts it, “You gotta say hello to everyone.”
Since retiring, Humphries has enjoyed spending more time with her family: her husband, Rickey; her son, Tyler Williams, and his wife, Elaine, with grandson, Broox, and granddaughter, Tilley; and her son, Cole Williams. She has also been embracing the freedom of not having to get up early unless she wants to. She remains connected to the people and relationships that made her years in education so meaningful.
Being selected as Grand Marshal of the 57th Homecoming Parade is a fitting recognition of Humphries’ lasting impact on Haughton High School and the broader community–“Grand Marshall of the HOCO parade is a huge honor because the parade is a beloved community tradition. Everyone loves the parade, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
In related Homecoming events, the varsity football team will play the Glenbrook Apaches for the Homecoming game at 7 P.M. on Sept. 18th. Pre-game activities are scheduled to begin at 6:15. The admission charge will be $10 at the gate. The 2026 Homecoming Court, serenaded by the Big Red Buccaneer Band, will be presented at halftime. All alumni and several specific classes of graduates will be recognized at halftime as well.
The school’s website can be found at http://haughtonh.bossierschools.org for more information.
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