Greenwich Schools issued a statement on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the “parade of champions” that was to feature Greenwich High School’s athletes. The parade was scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 2pm and was to take place downtown.
Whereas Monday afternoon’s statement issued by First Selectman Peter Tesei said the parade was cancelled due to “lack of support” from the school administration, the GHS interim headmaster Richard Piotrzkowski and Athletic Director Gus Lindine indicated it was more a question of lack of availability of students.
Specifically they said too many students and staff have other commitments, including students’ final exams/study schedules.
On Monday Mr. Lindine and Mr. Piotrzkowski wrote to Mr. Tesei to say that although Greenwich Public Schools and GHS appreciate the Town’s efforts to recognize the 2018-19 Greenwich High School State Champions with a Parade of Champions, “After consulting with the coaches of these five teams (math, girls gymnastics, girls swimming and diving, boys swimming and diving, and football), there is insufficient availability of the student athletes to be able to participate in an event on June 9.”
The letter concluded with an expression of appreciation.
“On behalf of our students and the entire Greenwich High School community we extend our gratitude for the Town’s ongoing support of our athletic and co-curricular programs.”
The idea for a parade was announced back in December by First Selectman Peter Tesei soon after the boys football team won the Class LL State Championship 34-0 against New Canaan High School. Then, in a release Tesei noted the girls swim/dive team won the FCIAC championship, the Class LL state championship as well as the State Open championship, and would also be honored. Subsequently he announced that the parade would wait until spring and include not only those two winning teams but honor all student athletes.
see also:
GHS Parade of Champions is Canceled Due to “Lack of Support”