Lehi High School is preparing to celebrate its 100th homecoming this week, the first event of a year of centennial celebrations for the school, which will include a history of the school written by the city historian.

"That is just a monumental feat and not very many schools in Utah have hit the 100 mark," said LHS Principal Chuck Bearce. "We join an elite group that has celebrated their centennial and I think it speaks for a community like Lehi that has such a good emphasis on education to know that even in its earliest years Lehi had students graduate from the public high school 100 years ago." 

A centennial parade of alumni and students will march at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the night of the high school's homecoming game, through Lehi, from Center Street to the high school.

LHS teacher and student council advisor Gig Griffith said some 2,000 students plan on participating in the parade.

"We encouraged themes and things for clubs and groups in the parade," he said, adding prizes would be given out for entries.

A vehicle is being provided for each decade to transport those too old or unable to walk in the parade.

Those who want to participate should meet at 5 p.m. at 200 North and Center Street. Participants will be given free admission to the homecoming game that night.

There will be celebratory activities between quarters during the home game against Timpanogos High, which starts at 7 p.m.

The Pioneer Cheer Squad is seeking alumni who are former Lehi cheerleaders.

"This being the 100th year of Lehi High School for homecoming, we are inviting all past Lehi cheerleaders back to do the first quarter break with us," said Jodi Thacker, LHS Cheer Squad member.

Lehi High has a school song, but until this year, no fight song. Kurt Bestor, a well known Utah composer, is writing the new tune.

"He is working on it," Bearce said. "There have been requests from the students for a fight song, one that is catchy and upbeat."

But the new song won't replace the old one, Bearce said.

"The school song will always be a part of the tradition of Lehi High School," he said. "We're just adding to that tradition."

Bearce said Lehi High may be the only high school in its division that doesn't have a fight song.

Bestor met with the students to find out what they wanted for a fight song, and found they liked a repetitive and rhythmic sort of thing.

"The hard part is coming up with something that they'll like," that will also sound appropriate in another 50 years, Bestor said.

There are other challenges.

"The words 'Lehi High' is a unique alliteration. Just to say the word Lehi High sounds like you are stuttering a little bit," he said.

Bestor wants to be able to present the song by the end of the month and hopes to have it approved by the administration and students. He said he would like to be there to conduct the song for the first time.

It won't be the only fight song he will have written. He created one for Timpanogos High School about 10 years ago.

"I just hope they play each other," he said. "We'll find out which fight song is the best."