March 18, 2026
You’ve no doubt heard of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — but have you heard of City Academy’s? Though our scholars did not march through the streets of New York City, they brought just as much flair and excitement to our hallways.
Inspired by the book Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, Kindergarten STEAM Teacher Rochelle Bain-Wright and her students have created a beloved tradition at City Academy. The book tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the inventor of the balloons featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Kindergartners spent weeks crafting colorful balloons for the parade’s balloon showcase, while first graders focused on decorating small floats. Students selected colors, shapes, and themes that reflected their personalities and interests.
Although rain thwarted plans to move the parade outside this year, families still showed up in full force to line the halls and pack the gym. Sixth-grade Student Council President Albert Moore and Quron Booker proudly carried the City Academy banner at the front of the parade. Dressed in turkey costumes handmade from paper grocery bags, the kindergartners followed, holding their balloons high, with decorations ranging from the solar system and Pokémon to Spider-Man and Sonic the Hedgehog. First graders followed closely behind, proudly rolling their floats
along the parade route.
Next came our second-grade students, who transformed into a marching band led by Music Teacher Raechel Simon. The sound of drums echoed through the halls and into the gym as students played the triangle and cymbals, twirled ribbons, and marched with enthusiasm.
Inside the gym, parade participants took one final lap before clearing the way for the City Academy Step Team. Fifth grader Amina Nash led the group in its opening step after earning her role through auditions and dedicated practice. Dressed in purple and black, the team stepped in perfect unison, chanting “C-I-T-Y A-C-A-D-E-M-Y” as their synchronized stomps and claps filled the gym. Amina said Step Team coach and Second Grade STEAM teacher Ms. Mya emphasized performing “full out” with strong moves and facial expressions during practice — a focus that clearly paid off.
“I always say I’m nervous, but then I just end up having fun,” Amina said. “I think I’m getting used to it.”
Following the step performance, the “Dancing Santas” took the floor. The group of Santa-suited volunteers travels around St. Louis, spreading holiday cheer, and the school was thrilled to welcome them for the first time. Their festive performance included routines to “Single Ladies,” “All I Want for Christmas,” and ending with a crowd favorite line dance to “Cupid Shuffle.”
The parade brought local media coverage from Channel 4 News and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (including a front-page photo!). Channel 4 caught up with Bain-Wright as she shared her biggest takeaway from this celebration. “I think students learn a sense of pride in being a City Academy student,” she said. “They also learn how to collaborate and how to think beyond the classroom.”
To view the Post Dispatch’s News Coverage, click here!
