Whittier Tech Students Design, Create Float for Haverhill Santa Parade

Students in many Whittier Tech pathways contributed to design and creation of a float for the Lorraine Post 29 VFW’s 57th Santa Parade in Haverhill. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch shares that Whittier Tech students designed and created a float for the Lorraine Post 29 VFW’s 57th Santa Parade, showcasing their skills and creativity to the Haverhill community.

Students in the Community Arts Workshop, a new Whittier course, led the project from conception to completion. Emphasis was placed on problem-solving skills, craftsmanship, and teamwork.

“We decided to make our float look like Santa's Workshop, and have the elves working in a few of the different shops we have at Whittier,” said Jonathan Boles, a Visual Art Teacher. “Each elf was hand-made by our Community Arts students. The elves were designed according to each student's individual shop, and represent each student's creative and aesthetic choices.”

Students from a number of Whittier pathways – Carpentry, Electronics Robotics, Electrical, HVAC, Design and Visual Communications, Metal Fabrication, and Auto Body – collaborated with Workshop students to bring the float concept to life.

Carpentry students built most of the float’s shop area, using house framing techniques they have learned in class. Metal Fabrication students created pieces including a star, anvil, and snowman. Students in other pathways contributed ideas and feedback.

During planning and construction, students received first-hand experience in the client-contractor relationship.

Whittier Tech cheerleaders accompanied the float along the route of the parade, which was held on Sunday, Nov. 21.

“The Haverhill community was excited to have the Santa Parade return this year, and was very impressed with Whittier students’ skill at creating such a wonderful float,” Superintendent Lynch said. "Congratulations to the students and teachers who contributed to this project."

Whittier Tech would like to recognize Library Media Specialist Richard Porcelli, who has served as sound producer and driver for the school’s parade floats for 24 years.