Grade 10 LCS Students Host First School Santa Claus Parade

On November 23, our campus was filled with holiday cheer as Grade 10 students hosted Lakefield College School’s first-ever student-organized Santa Claus Parade. The event brought together LCS students, teachers, staff, parents, and 30 children from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Peterborough for an afternoon of festive fun and community connection.

For years, our Grade 10 students have eagerly participated in the local Lakefield Santa Claus Parade, designing creative floats and costumes to share with the community. This year, however, the timing of November Break meant they couldn’t join the festivities. Undeterred, our Grade 10 Grade Representatives—Ben Abell ’27, Danica Bennett ’27, Jonas Haber ’27, Carla Kaefer ’27, Teddy Macdonnell ’27, and Ella Sehn ’27—took the initiative to organize a parade on campus, with enthusiastic support from their classmates and teachers.

The result was a vibrant celebration featuring student-designed floats and performances. Each float reflected the creativity and teamwork of our students, with themes including Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Workshop, and global holiday traditions. Adding to the festive atmosphere were dancers, costumed campus dogs dressed as reindeer, and beloved characters like Santa, the Grinch, and the Ryder House polar bear.

“Our connection with the Big Brothers Big Sisters kids has been special since we first met earlier this year,” shared one Grade 10 student. “We wanted to create an experience that would bring them joy and create lasting memories.”

In the spirit of giving back, our students also organized a toy and book drive alongside the parade, collecting donations for BBBS of Peterborough. The parade itself offered a warm welcome to the children from BBBS, creating a shared experience that highlighted the importance of generosity and community during the holiday season.

The event was made possible by the collaborative efforts of our Grade 10 students, who began with a “design sprint” brainstorming session to generate ideas and refine their plans. With guidance from Grade Representatives, smaller teams worked to bring each creative vision to life, managing logistics and crafting the floats that made the event so special.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our students for their creativity, teamwork, and generosity,” said Grade 10 Mentor Libby Dalrymple. “It’s a joy to witness their dedication to spreading holiday cheer and giving back to our community.”

The parade was not only a first for our Grade 10 class but also a reflection of their commitment to fostering meaningful connections and making a positive impact. The success of this event ensures it will remain a cherished tradition for years to come.

If you would like to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, donations can be made year-round to help continue their transformative programs for local youth. Visit peterborough.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca for more information.