Jack and Cathy Snyder stand in their lawn as teachers drive by Wednesday evening to celebrate her service to the school. InkFreeNews photos by Briley Gargis

By Briley Gargis
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Lincoln Elementary’s recently retired principal, Cathy Snyder, received a surprise parade Wednesday, June 17.

The parade including multiple teachers from Lincoln as a way to honor Snyder’s 18 years of service to Lincoln Elementary. Teachers gathered at the North Pointe Cinema’s parking lot and traveled in formation to Snyder’s home along Barrington Place. A large line of cars came through their neighborhood, offering kind remarks, holding up signs of gratitude and candy to Snyder.

Earlier in March, she announced that she was going to be retiring at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the rest of the year and the school was unable to properly honor Snyder.

Sixth-grade teacher Scott Sterk and other teachers decided to organize the drive-by parade to offer thanks.

“We haven’t had the chance to give her a proper send-off,” Sterk said, “And I think we surprised her.”

And surprised she was.

Sterk had reached out to Snyder’s husband and came up with a plan to have her do some yard work as an excuse to get her out in front of their home.

Sterk also said that they wish to have a proper send-off ceremony at Lincoln once they are allowed to do so. “When it was announced that school was being let out early, she (Snyder) said that it was her last year and that she wasn’t going to be able to say goodbye to her kids.” Sterk said.

A sample of the posters and cand left for Snyder by the many participants who joined the parade.