Seaford High School Teachers, Admins Hold Car Parade: PHOTOS

SEAFORD, NY — Dozens of teachers and administrators at Seaford High School spread positivity and good will recently, driving through the community and waving to students as part of an organized car parade.

The teachers have only seen their students on screen the last two months amid the new coronavirus pandemic. On Friday, they decided it was time for some face-to-face interaction, even if it was from a distance.

About 50 administrators and teachers drove through the community to wave to students and share messages of encouragement and support. The car parade began and ended at the high school, lasting about two hours. The route covered eight miles of roads across the district. A map was shared with students ahead of time so they could find a spot on the route.

The Seaford Fire Department led the parade with the Viking mascot atop a fire engine waving the Seaford flag. Principal Scott Bersin rode in a pickup truck bed, along with assistant principals Jennifer Bisulca and Nicole Schnabel, and Kevin Witt, the director of physical education, health and athletics. Dozens of teachers followed them in cars decorated with posters, streamers, balloons and more.

French teacher Ina Ionescu said that every glittery letter she wrote on her car was "a heartbeat, a mind hug, memories of students smiling and raising their hands." She said it was great to see the students along the streets waving at them and made her very proud to be a part of the Seaford family.

Diana Arichabala, a Spanish and ENL teacher, said being able to write messages for students on their cars was special because it was the first in-person communication they have had since the schools shut down. She especially wanted to highlight the graduating seniors, and included quotes from songs that they’ve bonded over in class.

"We miss the students so much," she said. "They’re the best part of being a teacher and are the sunshine that brighten our days at school. It was so wonderful seeing our colleagues and the community come out to greet each other."

Math teacher Jessica Delguercio’s minivan was affixed with a sign that read "Mrs. Delguercio Loves You! Seaford Pride!" Her three sons rode along with her to share in the special moment.

"I teared up as I drove to the school and continued to fight back the tears as I saw so many of my Seaford High School family members in the parking lot," she said. "But when I saw my students, their families, past students, and so many community members along the parade route with encouraging words and signs; I couldn't fight it anymore.”

Science department chairman and teacher James Scourtus added: "I miss my students and I miss teaching them at the high school. It made me very happy to see many of their smiling faces during the parade. This experience also gave me a strong sense of being appreciated and accepted as a valued member of their community. Seaford is a truly wonderful community full of good people and really great students."