Vendors from across the Cedar Valley came out to serve up some incredible food, and unforgettable swag for East High students for this year’s homecoming celebration. Chick-Fil-A and Jimmy John’s were in attendance, in addition to iconic cedar valley food trucks Big Head Burger and 1st Base Bar-B-Que, and delicious specialty foods brought to life by community leaders such as Rhounda Wise and Shenique Rembert.
Across the campus Trojan alumni were leading the charge, serving students, and showcasing the impact of community-based entrepreneurship. Sausha Petroske, owner of Saucy Creations, and East High Homecoming Court alumna, was thrilled to be returning to her alma mater to join in the celebrations.
“When I was at East, I loved helping Mr. Day put together this event!” said Petroske. While it’s been a few years since East last got to hold this fun and food-filled celebration, it holds a special place in Trojans’ hearts to see it coming back to life once again. While students and staff loved perusing all of her colorful creations on campus, Petroske says you can find her products at the Spark Lot in Waterloo, Iowa. 
In addition to showcasing her business at Taste of East, Petroske was also supporting Club Les Dames alongside East of High alumna Carolyn Sallis. The club works to support and encourage young women in Waterloo, highlighting them through the club’s annual cotillion event.
On the other side of the yard, representing the East High class of 1980, is Rhounda Wise, serving up her mouth-watering wings alongside Ecstacy, Diaz, and Airrius. She says cooking for others is one of her passions, and she has been serving her community through her delicious recipes since age ten.
“Wings are my favorite thing we make,” said Wise.
Lunch goers soon learned just how good those recipes are, keeping Wise and her team busy with a line of hungry students and staff, eager for some of her iconic hot wings.
East High alumna Shenique Rembert and her husband Kenny were excited to be serving students some of their homestyle southern favorites such as shrimp boils and decadent cheesecake. According to the two, they started their business, Rembert Enterprises, LLC, in 2019, offering a variety of services including the culinary arts.
“We needed a change, we wanted to do something meaningful together,” said Shenique Rembert.
In addition to their food service capabilities, the Remberts have supported the Waterloo community by offering products such as face-shields, hand sanitizer, and freight dispatch training throughout the past two years.
After so many incredible choices for lunch, the 2 Scoops team, including Sherman Anderson, East High Class of 1998, was ready with homemade ice cream for dessert.
Overall the event kicked off an afternoon filled with school spirit, smiles, and overwhelming support from the Waterloo community.
“It’s exciting to put something fun on for the kids to celebrate, we know that it’s an old tradition of East High,” said Nikky Herman, VP of East’s Booster Club. “After a few years without it, we’re glad to revitalize the event for alumni and students to continue to celebrate today.”
