- December 6, 2025
Osceola Elementary School teachers Kelsi Quicksall, Sarah Johns, Jennifer Lastinger and Morgan Belfer show excitement before the parade. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Osceola Elementary Melissa Heller covered her car with the names of all her students — and pompoms. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
How do you take a group picture while social distancing? From far away and with plenty of space between everyone. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Osceola Elementary Meredith Gilbert was ready to see her students. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The special area teacher's jeep was decorated with a banner. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Osceola Elementary teachers hold up a sign. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Osceola Elementary teacher Heather Smyth painted a special message on her car for students. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Osceola Elementary Amy Stoner is all smiles before the parade. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Students and their parents lined the beachside streets of Ormond to catch a glimpse of their Osceola Elementary teachers. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Students wave to Osceola Elementary teachers and staff during the parade on Friday, March 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Students waited outside their homes to see their Osceola Elementary teachers and staff during the parade on Friday, March 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Osceola Elementary Principal Lynn Bruner waves from North Halifax Drive during the parade. photo by Jarleene Almenas
James and Holly Hill School teachers Taylor Berry and Kelli Gronka before their parade on Thursday, March 26. Courtesy photo
Dana Lyon, Holly Hill School student family member during the parade. Courtesy photo
Adelin hanks and her mom Crystal, along with another young girl during the parade. Courtesy photo
Brenda Budzilek, staff member from United Brethren in Christ, during the parade. Courtesy photo
Holly Hill School Teacher Leigh Shapiro waves from her car. Courtesy photo
People wave to Holly Hill School during the parade. Courtesy photo
David Bates and Volusia Teacher of the Year and Holly Hill School Teacher Josie Stumpf show excitement during the parade. Courtesy photo
Flynn Roberts, Holly Hill School teacher Melissa Wilson and Gus Gus were ready to greet students. Courtesy photo
Used to seeing their students five days a week, and not knowing when they'll all be in the same classroom again together, two local schools organized "honk" parades to salute the students and families in their zones.
Holly Hill School held its car parade on Thursday, March 26, which was led by Holly Hill Mayor Chris Via and featured a police escort and a parade float by Abaco Windows. A total of 56 cars participated in the parade, said Volusia Teacher of the Year and Holly Hill School Teacher Josie Stumpf, of Ormond Beach.
Osceola Elementary held its parade the next day on Friday, March 27. Teachers expressed enthusiasm for seeing their kids again, and decorated their cars with messages stating how much they missed them.
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