Huron teachers parade for students

HURON — A group of Huron educators found a fun way to interact with their students at a safe distance. Several teachers from Huron Schools and St. Peter School drove through city neighborhoods Monday afternoon to greet students while schools remain closed to prevent spread of the coronavirus. Recently, a friend of Woodlands Intermediate fourth-grade teacher Ingrid Ritzler told her about a school that organized a similar event. "My wheels have been turning since I saw it a few days ago," Ritzler said. "I wanted to stay connected to my students. Everyone is feeling very isolated. I wanted the kids to know I love them and miss them, as do the other teachers and staff. A mother of one of my students emailed me a video of my students with sweet messages that she had compiled. It absolutely made my day, and I wanted to do the same for them." Teachers from all Huron Schools buildings who participated met up at Woodlands Intermediate, on the west side of Huron, and worked their way east, weaving through about a dozen neighborhoods for two hours. Ritzler estimates 50 vehicles participated. Huron police escorted the parade through town. "Thankfully, (Officer) Keith Lobsinger was granted permission by the chief to escort us, even though it was a last-minute plan," Ritzler said. "He quickly mapped out a route with safe turnarounds that allowed us to see many students. Another officer blocked traffic to help us out several times." News about the parade spread quickly on social media, including Huron Schools' Facebook page. As teachers honked and waved in each neighborhood, students watched and waved from their yards and inside their homes. Senior citizens, substitute and retired teachers saw the parade, too. Seeing her students smile in addition to a large number of educators participate on short notice made Ritzler emotional. "I have to admit, I teared up a few times today," Ritzler said. "I work with some pretty awesome people. It was nice to connect with (students and families)." Shawnee Elementary second-grade teacher Louise Hoty wanted to show students she was thinking of them. "I am proud of them, and I miss them," Hoty said. "The feeling during and after the parade was awesome. We needed to see our students just as much as they needed to see us. Their smiling faces, the signs they made for us made my heart happy." Ritzler and Hoty said they'd love to have another parade, if it's possible. "I originally planned to do this later in the week, but with Gov. Mike DeWine's order to stay in, Mr. Lobsinger and I felt it was best to do it right away," Ritzler said.