Local educators served as grand marshals of the governor’s parade in Frankfort on Tuesday. Teachers from all over the state were invited to lead the parade, which led to the front steps of the Capitol building.
Despite the cold temperatures, a large crowd gathered along the parade route cheering phrases such as “Thank you, teachers” as the group passed by. Governor Andy Beshear met with teachers before the parade began and addressed educators as he shook their hands.
”From locked out to leading the way,” Beshear told the crowd.
Country Heights Elementary School teacher Allie Lindow was asked to attend the parade as the Daviess County Public Schools Kids First Elementary Teacher of the Year. She said she was excited just to be a part of the celebration, with state leaders both past and present in attendance.
“Being in the parade today was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was an honor to be asked to represent the great educators from DCPS,” Lindow said. “The opportunity to be in our state capital with our state officials was a great experience. It was rewarding to be recognized as educators today and we look forward to the future of education in Kentucky.”
Among the local educators attending the parade were Jennifer Kidd and Becky Luckett from West Louisville Elementary school. They said they were honored to be included in the inaugural events and look forward to seeing Governor Beshear lead the Commonwealth.
“We expect our new governor to stand up for teachers, to stand up for the Kentucky Retirement System and lots of other systems across the state,” Kidd said.
Luckett described the experience as a historical moment. She said that just being a part of the parade was a way to feel unity among the Commonwealth, with marching bands, groups of students, floats and special guests all in attendance regardless of party affiliation.
“We teach our children about the impact of historical events. The inauguration and parade was a prime example of educators and all stakeholders being an active voice in the decisions made in the future,” Luckett said. “Our state is built on unity and as we step into the future we need to keep that in mind, whether we are Democrats, Republicans or Independent parties.”
