The Town of Miami Lakes hosted its 38th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade this Sunday, and it was a truly beautiful scene.
Instruments shined gold and silver in the sunlight as the Marches of the Armed Forces and other familiar songs emanated from them. Girl Scouts excitedly zoomed about on scooters. Dancers clad in glittery outfits leapt sky-high during their elaborate, high-intensity performances.
Did you miss Miami Lakes #VeteransDay Parade? Check out some of my favorite photos: https://t.co/ObqyMfFns0 pic.twitter.com/PkUg6nBrbH
— Alex (@ReboredoAlex) November 8, 2017
SLE GIRL SCOUT TROOP 33 AT MIAMI LAKES’ VETERAN’S DAY PARADE pic.twitter.com/N4duUlc1oT
— Spanish Lake Elem (@spanishlakeelem) November 5, 2017
A performance by Hialeah Gardens Middle School Jaguars 🐾 drumline @hgmsjaguars pic.twitter.com/c0PAvNOSiH
— Alex (@ReboredoAlex) November 5, 2017
And, of course, there were the incredible men and women that were the cause of celebration: veterans. Whether they were in the parade gliding through the streets in a procession of cars as they gave out goodies to children, or appreciative onlookers, their presence that day and service for the country and community did not go unnoticed.
A line of military vehicles follow all of the other performances at @MiamiLakesNews Veterans Day parade pic.twitter.com/N3bIwDYqC5
— Alex (@ReboredoAlex) November 5, 2017
Another group whose presence could not be ignored was a party of Miami Lakes Educational Center’s (MLEC) very own Jaguars.
Our Jaguars excited to participate in the Veterans Day Parade at Miami Lakes to honor those who served our country @MiamiLakesNews pic.twitter.com/6NwINoLf9u
— MLEC SGA (@MLECSGA) November 5, 2017
Before the festivities began, the Jaguars lied in wait giving off palpable waves of excited energy.
“I was excited not only because it was going to be my first parade, but it was also going to be my first parade related to the military, which I am devotedly obsessed with,” said Class of 2019 Vice President, Jennifer Santos. Her excitement also stemmed from the fact that she would “get to see and meet soldiers [and] it was an opportunity for me to thank them.”
MLEC Juniors show their support and give thanks to all those who have served in our military. Thank you for your service! #VeteransDayParade pic.twitter.com/tTd1ohWzXq
— SEN19RS (@mlec2019) November 5, 2017
The experience was a first for MLEC as a whole as well. Since its establishment in 1998, this year was the first time the school participated in the community tradition that many other schools take part in.
“I always hear that Miami Lakes Educational Center is a hidden gem, and I don’t want us to be hidden anymore, I want us to just be a gem,” said principal Lourdes Diaz. “This is an opportunity for us to step out into our immediate community and to participate in a civic event that was very enjoyable for all.”
MLEC is definitely a gem. It has been graded an “A” school by the Florida Department of Education for eight of the past nine years; received the distinction of Magnet School of Excellence in 2017; and been ranked silver amongst the nation’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report. It also has several award-winning career programs including its commercial arts, engineering, and journalism strands as well as the health sciences academy.
So excited to participate in the @MiamiLakesNews Veteran’s Day Parade. pic.twitter.com/nTbxkZdx9V
— Lourdes Diaz (@LDIAZ_CAO) November 5, 2017
Now that the Miami Lakes community has been greeted by Jaguar’s smiling faces, the gem that is MLEC is no longer hidden. Participating in the parade was a joyous experience for all of the Jaguars in attendance, and it is one they hope to have again in the years to come.
“Next year we’re coming back bigger and stronger,” says Diaz.
