Fourth grade students St. Veronica’s with their new float.
On March 31, St. Veronica’s fourth grade class participated in the Red’s Opening Day Parade supporting their new float, which is a “parent constructed” replica of Cincinnati’s forthcoming attraction, “The Cincinnati Streetcar.”

The children were dressed to represent some of Cincinnati’s best! Some honored famous Cincinnatians, such as William Howard Taft, Dr. Sabin, and Amanda Borden. Others are depicted famous places throughout Cincinnati, including, Union Terminal, Krohn Conservatory, and Graeter’s. Some were dressed in honor of our favorite Red’s baseball players along with Red’s fans riding our “Let’s Go” streetcar on their way to the big game at Great American Ball Park. Accompanying our 55 excited fourth graders in the parade was the St. Veronica 35-member advanced band who will brought their baseball spirit alive through music! The children not only sang old time favorites like “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Centerfield,” but also their mission statement song, “Shine Your Light.” The students were honored, once again, to be a part of Cincinnati’s greatest tradition!

By the time the big day arrived the fourth graders had prepared for almost two months. Since this is truly an honor to represent their school and to be a part of a noteworthy Cincinnati tradition, they have had to put academics and behavior first, as top priority to earn this privilege. To prepare for this special day, the teachers have incorporated the baseball theme in all parts of the curriculum. Students have read about Jackie Robinson, spelled baseball/vocabulary words, graphed baseball scores, wrote baseball poetry, and in Social Studies located teams/cities on the map.

Not only have they learned a lot about baseball in their many cross-curriculum lessons, but they have recognized the parade represents a once in a lifetime experience. The children have worked hard and played hard while learning about baseball, the Reds and Cincinnati’s history. Many parents, too, have joined together to create a float that enhanced the children’s experiences.

Having done research on their chosen costume, they have learned about the history and character traits of each individual, and how each contributed to the building of our great city – thus letting their light shine! We take this privilege seriously, knowing that this childhood memory will be treasured forever!