PIERCETON - School pride will be on the march next week in Pierceton, led by 583 Pierceton Elementary students.

The students will show their enthusiasm to the community in a Spirit Day Parade, set for 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The parade evolved from the school's annual Spirit Day celebration. Spirit Day traditionally featured games and contests, but the school went for a new approach this year.

"We decided we wanted to try something different to get the kids out in the community - to make the kids feel proud of themselves and proud of their school," said Susie Trixler, co-chair of the school's culture and climate committee, which is organizing the event.

Trixler said students will carry banners that show their classroom names or that tell something special about their classroom.

The Whitko High School marching band will set the tempo for parade. Joining the students will be Pierceton Citizens of the Year for 1996 and 1997, Bob Tenney and Deb Thomas respectively. Cub S. Bear, the school mascot, will also take part in the festivities.

Whitko superintendent Dr. Bill Worl and administrators are also expected to join the parade.

The parade will begin at the school, proceed down Third Street, Catholic Street and back on Third, cross Market Street, go down Seventh Street and return to the school.

The students will gather outside the school and sing the school song when the parade is over.

If it rains, the students will parade through the halls of their school. [[In-content Ad]]