Shaler Area School District holds drive through parade to honor veterans

Shaler School District honored local veterans and observed covid restrictions at the same time by holding an Honor All Veterans Drive Through celebration on Nov. 3.

The event, which was held virtually due to the pandemic last year, is usually held at the middle school with a breakfast for the veterans. The event has been held for around 20 years.

“Because we are social distancing, we couldn’t have them in the building,” said teacher and organizer Merrit McDaniel. “We were trying to think of something that we could do, because a ton of the veterans have inquired about it.”

Coffee and donuts were handed out by the students when the veterans drove through the parade route.

Five hundred veterans were invited to the event.

“The students were really excited about it,” McDaniel said.

Students held up signs and cheered the veterans as they made their way around the school, the middle and high school choruses performed, along with the high school jazz band. Cheerleaders handed out favors to the veterans that passed by.

“Shaler Area is very proud of its tradition of hosting an annual Veterans Celebration event, and each year, students look forward to being able to show their appreciation to those who have served and are currently serving our country,” said Shaler Area School District communications director Bethany Baker.