Robert Halfacre: Little-known Homecoming hero works behind the scenes

Robert Halfacre smiles broadly. “Seeing the happiness on a girl’s face when we drive up in a Corvette that’s just for her makes it all worthwhile.”

by Bruce Wm. Brown

A Homecoming Queen in a pretty dress waving from the back of a convertible is an iconic part of the fall Homecoming Parade. Moms and Dads support their queens by figuring out the frantic homecoming schedule along with the dress, shoes, and hairstyling. But, there’s another important element that’s hard to arrange: The Ride. 

Stockbridge queens are imaginative. They have graced our Homecoming Parade in horse drawn carriages and waved from the backs of classic pickups and Humvees. Though it would be far easier if the classic ride were a minivan, most of us picture a gleaming convertible—not an easy vehicle to find. Renting one can be complex, costly and uncertain. 

The young women of Stockbridge High School, elected by their classmates to be Homecoming Queen representatives, are lucky regarding “The Ride.” 

They have a little-known hero working behind the scenes to look out for them. 

Most parade watchers are unaware that since 2010 most convertibles in the Stockbridge Homecoming Parade have been provided through the efforts of a 1993 graduate of Stockbridge High School, Mr. Robert Halfacre, as supported by LaFontaine Chevrolet. 

Halfacre, a Senior Sales Executive at LaFontaine Chevrolet in Dexter, quietly goes about making a list of SHS queens who will need parade rides. A car from LaFontaine is then delivered to the proper spot in the parade lineup an hour before the band starts marching. 

There is no charge, and Halfacre on occasion has been known to arrange for a convertible to match the queen’s dress. 

Halfacre shrugs off thanks saying, “I’m a Stockbridge graduate. We do it for the kids and their families. It is an honor.”

According to Halfacre, “The parents are very appreciative, and we always get the cars back in fine shape.” Then he smiles broadly. “Seeing the happiness on a girl’s face when we drive up in a Corvette that’s just for her makes it all worthwhile.”