A festival in downtown Killeen on Saturday drew a crowd in celebration of community, students and the love of a game.
A fired-up crowd gathered in front of a stage and a carpet of turf as representatives of Killeen ISD’s five high school football teams stood in their jerseys and introduced themselves.
KISD Interim Superintendent King Davis welcomed the crowd and praised the players, along with members of the school drum lines and cheerleaders to begin the city’s Touchdown in Downtown event.
Davis used the stage to address the importance of being present, pointing out that students and staff members back in school are showing up every day in the athletic arena and in the classroom.
“Thank you, students for showing up,” he said. “In addition to showing up for extra-curricular events they show up for all their academic responsibilities. Thank you for representing KISD with pride and excellence.”
He urged community members to support the schools through attending athletic events and other performances and to encourage families, staff members and others engaged in the education process.
KISD Community Relations Director Angenet Wilkerson and an event MC introduced each school – the Killeen Kangaroos, Ellison Eagles, Harker Heights Knights, Shoemaker Grey Wolves and Chaparral Bobcats.
After the football team representatives introduced themselves, the drum lines took turns taking the spot in the center of the turf in front of the stage and performed to the thrill of the gathered crowd.
A few of the performances included cheer teams as well.
To end, all five drum lines filled in the space for a session-ending grand finale.
Many attendees wore sports jerseys, and the event included a best fan contest, as well as numerous games and food trucks parked in the blocked-off downtown streets.
KISD event photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720328895023
It’s a great time to support KISD athletics, marching bands and other fine arts.
The inaugural “Drums in The Heartland” percussion competition is set next Saturday (Sept. 13) beginning at 11 a.m. at Joseph L. Searles, III Stadium. Four of KISD’s five bands will participate. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and will be available at the gate and online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drums-in-the-heartland
The following week is the 47th annual Killeen ISD Spirit Spectacular Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Leo Buckley Stadium. Tickets are $10 and shoutouts are $5 available at https://spiritspectacular47.simpletix.com/
The high school football season is entering its third week of the season. Volleyball is poised to begin district play and cross country and team tennis are underway.
Game tickets are available at https://www.killeenisd.org/o/kisd/page/tickets
Photos are accessible at www.killeenisd.org/photos
Follow all the KISD news at www.killeenisd.org/news, Facebook.com/KISDSports and X.com/KilleenISD_