Leopard Friday is an annual Lovejoy Tradition held in the High School courtyard to bring together the community, organizations, and clubs all while families and friends get to celebrate the school spirit of the Lovejoy Leopards. Community members get to enjoy fun games, booths, face paint, delicious food, and of course, no one can forget a classic game of Texas Friday night football.
“Leopard Friday is one of my favorite Lovejoy ISD traditions,” superintendent Katie Kordel said. “Leopard Friday started in 2007. It was sponsored by PTA/PTO from 2007-2012 and then was hosted by the high school beginning in 2013. My understanding is that Becky Campbell was the PTA president in 2007 and started Leopard Friday modeling it after an event at Texas A&M. Initially it involved a BBQ dinner and families could purchase tickets. After dinner, families would enjoy watching the volleyball game and football game.”
Leopard Friday is able to unite the community, especially through one of the fan favorite events, the pep rally. Children from all ages gather in the courtyard to watch the cheerleaders, band, Majestics drill team, and the choir. Senior spirit captain Kathryn Hannah states how cheering at the pep rally is one of her favorite parts of Leopard Friday.
“I love witnessing Lovejoy’s younger generations attend the community pep rally,” Hannah said.“I love watching the younger kids have a big, bright smile and seeing the enjoyment in their eyes while watching the high-schoolers perform.”
Leopard Friday is a special experience to promote different organizations within the community. Attendees can take a walk through the art gallery, watch the fine arts students perform, donate to clubs and organizations, and play games at sport booths.
“The arrangement of clubs and organizations outside of the high school gives the community a chance to see what makes lovejoy so special,” Hannah said.
“Leopard Friday has become quite the tradition,” seasoned Lovejoy parent and school store employee, Shannon Droupy said. “It is something the school and community look forward to each year. It is when everyone comes together to all share in what makes Lovejoy so special, our amazing community. There is something for everyone.”
Leopard Friday is able to unite the Lovejoy community, bringing together students, families, and neighbors to celebrate shared traditions and school spirit. It’s a day that not only honors the past, but also builds a sense of belonging and pride for future generations of Lovejoy Leopards.
“Traditions like Leopard Friday are one of the reasons Lovejoy ISD has a small-town feel and is what makes us uniquely special,” Kordel concluded.
