Parade spreads holiday cheer
Lakeview teachers take classroom parties to students along streets
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CORTLAND -- Santa Claus came to town a little early.
With schools on remote-learning schedules, the usual Christmas parties held in classrooms had to be canceled. To help give the students a chance to feel the magic of Christmas, Lakeview pre-K through eighth-grade teachers took part Friday afternoon in a parade through the city.
The teachers stayed in their vehicles and made the 18.9-mile journey.
"All of our staff members have decorated their cars," middle school Principal Ashley Handrych said. "It's just to see our students before Christmas break. We've been remote for the last three weeks, so I think it will be a nice way to go into the holiday."
Handrych said, at its core, the parade serves as a much-needed chance to see the students.
"Remote teaching is hard, and the reason we do this is because of the students and the interaction we get to have with them. There was a strong desire to be able to see them and share the spirit and how much we love them," she said.
The parade featured the teachers, Santa Claus -- of course -- and Lakeview's version of "Elf on the Shelf," Cupcake McSnowball.
McSnowball, known better as 6th-grade teacher Emily Krygowski, said this year it's most important to share the Christmas spirit.
"This year has been somewhat unconventional. Cupcake visited last year and just wanted to bring that same kind of cheer in a year so different than other years," Krygowski said.
Sadie Wright and Benjamin Terbovich, both second-grade students, said it meant a lot that the teachers did this for them. They both said their favorite part of the parade was seeing their teacher.
From a parent's standpoint, Rick Sommers and John Wright both said the parade was a great idea.
"It's so nice for our kids because they haven't had any kind of social interaction. They've been away from their friends and teachers, so it's a reminder they're still real people," Sommers said.
Elementary school Principal Scott Taylor said this parade brings the students and families a sense of joy and, above all, hope.
"This gives our families a chance to live that magic, as tough as this year has been," Taylor said. "I think we all look forward to hope and having hope grow. This serves as a chance to show that hope is still alive."
Santa Claus also had a few things to say to the students of Lakeview.
"I want to bring joy, peace, happiness and health to the students of Lakeview," Santa said. "Merry Christmas."