MLK Dream Big Parade - Thank You! 

Back at Shorecrest on the day after the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream BIG Parade, I reflected on how meaningful it was for our school community to not only attend the parade, but also to serve our greater community. 

Sometimes students focus on service because of the hours needed for our service requirement, others do service because of a passion to help others, and there are those that serve others because it is, “just what you do.” Monday was more than service for those who attended. Shorecrest families came out to support the School, the greater St. Petersburg community, and each other. The final part of our Mission Statement says - “the development of a commitment to social responsibility” - and we strive to be better to each other and our communities. This past Monday, Chargers did just that, with members representing all parts of our school. 

From Alpha students to our Head of School, these individuals came out in their green and gold, answered questions about Shorecrest, laughed and danced with other members of the St. Pete community, and watched amazing bands and dance groups. After the parade concluded they donned gloves and trash bags, proceeding down First Avenue South to pick up every candy wrapper, broken bead, pamphlet, and mashed Tootsie Roll. 

As we reached the beginning of the parade route, having cleaned the first three blocks of the parade, St. Pete sanitation workers thanked our Shorecrest contingent for stepping in and helping keep our city clean. The smiles on the faces of the sanitation team and our own Chargers showed that this was something good.

As we all said goodbye to each other and everyone went on their way, I got a moment to talk with Nancy Spencer, our Head of School, and she summed up the day with these four words, “This just feels right.” 

Thank you again to everyone who came. We look forward to hosting more opportunities for our Chargers to do what “feels right” together.