AHN students and faculty sailed down Bayshore on Academy’s patriotic float during the annual Children’s Gasparilla parade on Saturday, January 19.  Participants from every grade not only showed off their pirate spirit, but their school spirit as well.

The atmosphere was so infectious that even the alumni, including boys that graduated from the middle school and Vickie Sierra A’12, joined current student and faculty in celebrating the school and festivities.

Director of Admissions Mrs. Pam Doherty and Assistant Director of Admissions Mrs. Doreen Zelen both thought the entire day was a blast and could not stop smiling about the success of the day and turnout.  “The kids threw thousands and thousands of beads.  The crowd went crazy when they threw the special edition Academy beads and the bubble gum.”

President Mr. Art Raimo and his wife Mrs. Maureen Raimo proved to be the school’s biggest fans.  They walked the entire parade with beaming smiles and threw countless amounts of beads into the screaming crowd.

The two jaguar mascots, clad in AHN Gasparilla t-shirts, like the rest of the participants, walked alongside Mr. and Mrs. Raimo, spreading even more AHN spirit thorought the parade route.  Sister Mary Patricia Plumb, SNMJ, provided the second, newer, mascot costume.  ” I believe school spirit is extremely important.” .

Senior Miranda Reddick was elated after the parade. “It was the best day ever!”

The parade’s successful turnout excited the Dads Club as well.  The parking lot filled, putting money back into the school.  AHN fans interested in purchasing a custom Gasparilla t-shirts can visit the Admissions office to pick one up!