Clark named WCHS Homecoming Parade grand marshal

The WCHS Athletic Department and Administration have named the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Tammy “Pistol” Wilhite Memorial Homecoming Parade, Martha Jane Swindell Clark (’63). Clark was a cheerleader for all four years while attending White County High School. She cherishes the memories of cheering on the maroon and grey, as a football and basketball cheerleader.

Martha Jane is the daughter of the late Herchell and Edna Swindell. She grew up in Sparta with her older brother Gaines. Her husband the late Richard Clark (’61) was the love of her life, they shared 57 years of marriage before he passed away in 2020.

Martha Jane attended East Sparta City School through the eighth grade. After being promoted to high school she moved up the hill to attend WCHS. The Swindell family home was located just across the street from the location of the high school. She said that she walked to school every day during her education in the White County School System.

After moving up the hill to WCHS, she focused on being a cheerleader. Being self-described as a “social butterfly” cheerleading became a big part of her life. Her ninth grade year she made the “B-team” squad. For the 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th grade year she was on the “Varsity” squad. Besides cheering on the basketball and football teams in their games, Clark has fond memories of the bus rides with her team mates. Clark describes the singing and fun times shared with her fellow cheerleaders as great memories. For a student who walked to school every day, it seems riding the bus became a highlight of the athletic season.

After completing her high school cheer career, she moved on to Cumberland University. Her time at CU was cut short by Richard asking her to marry him. Clark came home to Sparta and married Richard and established a home. She soon became an established member of the banking community here in White County. Her career included a stay at First National Bank for 35 years, followed by another 8 years at Bank of White County. If you grew up during that time you remember her at the bank.

In her retirement you can count on seeing her occupying a reserved seat on the home side of the Roy. I guarantee she will be doing what she has done since 1959, cheering on the Warriors and Warriorettes. She will probably have some family with her and have a story or two to tell about a game she cheered at or attended in the past few decades.

WCHS is proud to honor Martha Jane as this year’s Grand Marshal. “We are honored that Martha Jane Swindell Clark will serve as our Grand Marshal. She loves the school, and loves having her nieces on our staff here at WCHS. Martha Jane is a true Warrior fan and has been loyal to our student-athletes for many years”, stated Principal Greg Wilson (’85). WCHS invites everyone out to the Homecoming Parade on Thursday October 1^st.