Each year, Holley Middle/High School’s Homecoming celebrations culminate with a PTSA-sponsored, themed parade that awards points for the coveted spirit stick. When this year’s theme of “States” was announced, the freshmen class chose Iowa, never imagining it would spark a heartwarming interstate collaboration.
Freshman Class Advisor Samantha Zelent and Volunteer Co-Advisor Jessica Seaward knew this state would hit close to home due to the Holley community’s farming connections. On a whim, they reached out to a few Iowa-based agencies to see if they might contribute materials for the float. The response was overwhelming.
Numerous Iowa organizations and affiliates sent donations, ideas, and encouragement. News of the float spread quickly, and soon packages filled with Iowa-themed goodies began arriving from Iowa organizations the school hadn’t even contacted. Students embraced the opportunity, hoping to represent everything people love about Iowa, including emulating the Davis County FFA’s sculpture “Hog Wild” as the centerpiece for their float.
“We were overwhelmed by the support from Iowa, especially the governor’s office, who sent us items, including a signed photo wishing us a happy homecoming,” said Samantha Zelent. “Students loved the help from Iowa and had so much fun with the float. We have been a part of their Facebook page, and they made us honorary members of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s Annual Bale Trail. Now, Iowa has a whole group of fans from the Holley Central School District’s freshmen class!”
This unexpected partnership not only boosted school spirit but also created lasting connections between communities hundreds of miles apart, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful collaborations begin with a simple idea and a little curiosity.
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