Spreading ‘Peace & Friendship’ in Merrick

The streets of south Merrick hummed with activity Friday as a line of decorated cars snaked through the neighborhood honking their horns. On the sidewalks, Levy Lakeside students and their families waved to the dozens of teachers who drove the cars as they passed.

The parade was part of Lakeside’s virtual “Peace & Friendship Day.” A chance to unify the school by bringing students and staff together outside the classroom, the annual tradition took a different form this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While we aren't able to hold activities at the school this year, we wanted to ensure the day still consisted of unity and Lakeside spirit,” said Melissa Warshaw, vice president of public relations for the Levy Lakeside Parent-Teacher Association. “Students started the day by watching an ‘Opening Ceremony’ video message from the administration, followed by games and activities during their regular Zoom classes.”

In the afternoon, families waited patiently on their front lawns for the car parade to commence. The cars began in the parking circle outside the school’s main entrance where members of the Merrick School District Board of Education handed out flowers to participating teachers.

Leading the pack were Principal Libby Trencheny and Assistant Principal Justin Gabrus. “It’s a little bit emotional to say the least,” Trencheny said of the spectacle. “This is about all of us coming together . . . for the students and making sure they know how much they are loved and missed.”

Gabrus said he was excited the staff could close out the school year in this special, albeit alternative, way. “The overall sentiment is that [the families] are super excited to be able to see the people they care about so much, which is our staff,” he said, “and we know our staff feels exactly the same way. We’re looking forward to seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.”