In the essence of checking a “thousand tiny little lights. . . without being sure the extension cord was plugged in,” Cousin Eddy just rolled into town and he brought with him six beautiful members of the 2022 Holiday Dance Court.

This year’s theme, A Griswold Christmas, was a big hit. Featured on the float was a rusty Winnebago thanks to the skill of the Carpentry shop; as if the float couldn’t bet any better, it was Cousin Eddie in his bathrobe, played by senior Health Assistant, Ian Stoneking from Ellwood and Treasurer of the Class of 2023, who made it complete.

Alongside the LCCTC float were the members of this year’s student council who donned their best ugly sweaters and got to work passing out candy to those who braved the cold along the route:

Kaylee Connolly ~ Health Assistant sophomore from Ellwood City
Rachel Carbone ~ Health Assistant senior from New Castle
Dajuan Dawson ~ Restaurant Trades sophomore from New Castle and Treasurer of the Class of 2025
Abigail (AJ) DeVirgilio-Fogal ~ Restaurant Trades sophomore from New Castle
Tomiann Fuge ~ Restaurant Trades sophomore from New Castle
Patricia Kelly ~ Veterinary Assistant senior from New Castle
Collin Matters ~ Veterinary Assistant senior from Shenango and Co-Secretary of the Class of 2023
Leanna Miller ~ Comercial Arts junior from Laurel and Secretary of the Class of 2024
Shyann Perrine ~ Cosmetology senior from New Castle and Vice-President of the Class of 2023
Samantha Shultz ~ Veterinary Assistant junior from Laurel
Daisha Vega ~ Cosmetology sophomore from New Castle and Vice-President of the Class of 2025
Savanah Watkins ~ Health Assistant sophomore from Shenango and President of the Class of 2025
Student Council Advisors: Mrs. Brown, Ms. Cozza, and Mrs. Vanasco

Holiday Dance Queen Court included:

Lacey Ables ~ Veterinary Assistant senior from New Castle
Rebecca Carbone ~ Veterinary Assistant senior from New Castle
Cassidy Kale ~ Veterinary Assistant senior from Shenango
Kayla Kelley ~ Veterinary Assistant senior from New Castle
Elia McKnight ~ Electrical Occupation senior from Laurel
Daijhre Washington ~ Health Assistant senior from New Castle & President of the Class of 2023

A few members of SkillsUSA were once again able to lend a hand by ushering in the float with the streamer poles they hand-crafted:

Gabbie Treece ~ Veterinary Assistant junior from Union
Hope Franklin ~ ~ Restaurant Trades sophomore from New Castle
and Destiny Robertson ~ Cosmetology junior from New Castle

Though the north’s icy winds did blow and chilled these merry revelers to the bone, it wasn’t all that bad, because the sun did shine, the students of LCCTC brought joy to the hearts of the children of Lawrence County with their gifs of candy, and the LCCTC crew who made up this Griswold Christmas float were among friends.

Merry Christmas, and remember — “The most enduring traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of kith and kin.” Clark Griswold.

From Mrs. Brown, Ms. Cozza, and Mrs. Vanasco:

The student council advisors and students would like to extend a warm-hearted thank you to the following people:

* Mr. Kelly for having his students cut out and build our float and lending us his generator on parade day so that we can plug in the lights and have an iota of warmth with a small heater and heated blanket!

* Mr. DeRosa for creating the pattern for the cut-out.

*Mr. Solomon & Kaden McKinney for painting the Winnebago for the float!

* Mr. Montini for giving us the zip ties to tie our lights on.

* Mr. Goebel for providing us with the hay bales.

*Mr. Windhorst for lending us the trailer to use for the float.

* Mrs. McVicker for showing up with the SkillsUSA Opening and Closing Team and braving the freezing cold and my daughter's terrible aim at throwing candy!

*Administration for supporting us in our endeavors.

If there is anyone we forgot, I sincerely apologize. It truly takes a village and we have one heck of a one here at the CTC! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!