More than 100 Varnett students participated in the 41st Annual Original MLK Day Parade Monday, culminating weeks of practice for the mainstay event.
The students were in great company. U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon from Georgia, and George Springer, Astros outfielder and 2017 World Series MVP, served as grand marshals. Also on hand were Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and various federal and local officials and members of the Black Heritage Society.
The Varnett students, from Southeast, Southwest, Early Childhood Center and Northeast campuses, were unfazed by the cool and sometimes windy conditions along the parade route. Fifty Varnett cheerleaders and dancers came from Southwest, 25 from Northeast, 22 from Southeast and 15 from Early Childhood Center.
"We are so proud of our young ladies and gentlemen for marching in the MLK parade on Monday." said Ms. Monique Thornton, a teacher and a coach. "They did an awesome job celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy."