Catholic School Teachers Named South Side Parade Grand Marshal

CHICAGO (BEVERLY) — Elementary school teachers at 16 Catholic schools in and near the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood will take center stage on Parade Day this year. The grand marshal of the 2020 South Side Irish Parade is a group referred to by parade organizers as “Thankful for Catholic Elementary School Teachers.” The group was recognized in an announcement ceremony Tuesday afternoon outside St. Cajetan School.

Principals and other representatives from the school were led by a bagpiper to the front steps of St. Cajetan, where they were officially introduced as the grand marshal of the 42nd annual parade that's held yearly on the final Sunday before St. Patrick's Day down Western Avenue.

The 16 schools serving as co-grand marshals are Christ the King, Most Holy Redeemer, Queen of Martyrs, St. Barnabas, St. Bede the Venerable, St. Benedict, St. Cajetan, St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Christina, St. Ethelreda, St. Gerald, St. Germaine, St. John Fisher, St. Linus, St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Walter.

"The parade committee was unanimous" in selecting the teachers as its grand marshal, said Jim Smith, chair of the South Side Irish Parade committee, calling the area's Catholic school teachers "truly unsung heroes."

"This is not a single organization but rather representatives of dedicated individuals who educate, encourage and inspire our youth each and every day," Smith said. "What better way to represent the South Side Irish Parade’s values of faith, tradition and community than by honoring those who commit themselves to Catholic education and dedicate their lives to our children and to our community."

Meghan Coleman, a third grade teacher at St. Cajetan, spoke on behalf of the educators being honored.

"Like this dedicated (parade) committee, Catholic school teachers know all about tradition," Coleman said. "Our work is grounded in traditions of faith, academic excellence, and service to others, and our goal is to prepare all students to be the creative, compassionate and selfless leaders our world needs them to be.

"This work is more than a job to us. It is a calling."

The South Side Irish Parade will kickoff from 103rd and Western at noon on Sunday, March 15.

Watch the full announcement ceremony via the Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch Facebook Live feed here: