On March 17, many people around the world celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. For some students here at IHS, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s something they return to every year, whether that means attending the parade downtown, spending time with family, or continuing traditions. Even with cold weather and busy schedules, IHS students still found ways to stay involved and celebrate!
Freshman Quincy Carlisle has participated in the parade for the past three years and was determined to keep that streak going. For her, one of the most memorable parts of the experience was not the performance itself, but the time leading up to it. “Getting ready during staging was really fun. We were just all hanging out and laughing,” she said. While performing, Carlisle also had a funny moment. “I almost tripped in front of the judges’ tent while they were filming us, but I didn’t fall,” she said. Carlisle explained that everyone in the group wore matching tracksuits, which helped create unity among the group of dancers. She encourages others to take part if given the opportunity. “It’s really fun. Even though it’s on a school day, it’s worth it,” she said.
Junior Alyssa Gangale has made the parade a yearly tradition with her family. “It’s something my family does every year,” she said. For Gangale, the most meaningful part of the day was the chance to reconnect with people she does not see often. “Seeing all my friends” stood out as her favorite moment. She described the overall atmosphere as “cold, chaotic, and loud,” but still enjoyable. One moment that caught her attention was seeing someone fully dressed in green, including dyed hair and a tutu. She also recalled a funny incident when her friend fell down the stairs. Gangale believes that events like the parade play an important role in bringing people together. “It’s such a huge opportunity to see people and make memories,” she said. While the experience did meet her expectations, she noted that the weather made it more difficult than she had anticipated.
For Junior Jamie Donovan, attending the parade is a long-standing tradition held closely to her Irish heritage. Missing it this year was difficult for Donovan. “I was sad. I had family there, and my uncle was walking in it,” she said. The cold weather ultimately led to changes in her plans. Even so, she continued to celebrate the holiday differently. “I went to my great uncle’s house and got to see family I don’t usually see downtown,” Donovan said. For her, the holiday is centered around spending time with family and embracing those moments. Looking back on past parades, one adorable memory stood out in particular to her: “My dad carrying me when I was little, while I was freezing and covered in St. Patrick’s Day stuff,” she said.
Although this year’s parade looked different for some students, St Patrick’s Day continued to serve as a shared experience that connects people through tradition, family, and community. Whether participating in the parade or celebrating in other ways, students found that the meaning of the day goes far beyond luck!
