Waltham Hawks Hockey Parade

Waltham Patch

Waltham Hawks Hockey Parade

March 24, 2018

Waltham turned out to celebrate their 2018 Waltham High School Hockey Teams. Both the boys and girls teams earned the James F. Mulloy Sportsmanship Award.

Plus, for the first time in many of these students’ lifetimes, the Boys Team clinched the Division 1 State Championship of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.

During this first hockey parade since 2002, blaring horns and cheering fans could be heard all along the Hawker-red swarmed route, from Beaver St., Lyman St., Forest St., Elm St., and Main St. The parade concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the boys and girls teams.

Aleigha, Cordelia, Nathanial, Jacob, and Adrian, cousins of Captain Gerard Jelloe cheered on their hero along the parade route.

Xander Rivera wore his pride in his cousin.

Hawk Pride was evident along the route, from signs in storefronts, to banners hung by supporters and fans. Thrill spread throughout the city as the young sports heroes shared their appreciation and excitement.

Parent Amy Steede summed up the magical charm of the day. “This team has brought this town together when we needed a positive in the world. These boys did that for us.” The parade route was lined by fans, friends, family, and supporters of all ages, and the diversity of the crowd was evidence of a team's strength to bring a community together.

The Hawk mascot (Richy Schwalm) supported the team all season.

Mayor Jeannette McCarthy addressed the jubilant Boys Hockey Team. She asked, “How did you get here?” A voice called out, “Hard work!” The mayor added that the team had also gained success from “Love and support.”

“The love and support of your families. Love and support of the Waltham Youth Hockey Program, love and support of your coaches, your teachers, your principal, the superintendant and school committee, the city council, and the entire city of Waltham.” The mayor also credited all the people “who watched you grow from milk crates to super stars.”

Mayor McCarthy went on to describe the vast volunteer efforts which the student athletes have been active in throughout the city. The altruism and positive impact on the community, she said, shows “the whole state what class acts both the boys and girls hockey teams are. “

Mayor McCarthy’s sentiments of pride for the teams extended to the coaches. “You do not know how lucky you have been to have John McGuire as your coach.” The athletes cheered in appreciation.

The celebration is scheduled to continue in the following days and weeks. The City Council is hosting an event for the champions on Monday, the student-faculty face-off is Tuesday, and the School Committee is recognizing the athletes with festivities on Wednesday. The team has been invited to Fenway for the Red Sox game on April 8. The joy from this dynamic team continues to be celebrated throughout the city and state.

Photos by Jessica Lucci