School groups, including bands, cheerleaders, and JROTC units, participate in parades

Our schools had so much fun participating in parades across Gaston County to celebrate the 2021 holiday season.

Marching bands, cheerleaders, JROTC units, and other school groups added plenty of cheer to the hometown parades.  Again this year, our classic 1950-model orange bus was a hit in the parades as children, parents, and others waved in excitement.  People always seem to enjoy seeing our classic bus, which was originally used as a school bus for Tryon High School.

Staci Nezezon, our 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year, and Tyler West, our 2021-2022 Principal of the Year, were featured on a candy cane-themed float in the Mount Holly parade along with students from Pinewood Elementary.  During the Gastonia parade, Nezezon and West rode on a fire department truck with some of their students and Gastonia city council member Jim Gallagher, who invited them to ride along.

The parades are just one way that our schools are involved in the community. Be sure to check our slideshow of pictures to see the wonderful parade moments captured by our photographers.

From everyone in the Gaston County Schools family, we wish you a joyous holiday season, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!  We look forward to 2022 with optimism for a new year that is productive and successful for our schools.