Huston Twp. girl wins stylish ride

Chris Rosenblum

Taylor Zimmerman is starting her education in style.

Tuesday, she’ll ride to her first day of kindergarten at Port Matilda Elementary School in a honest-to-goodness limousine — courtesy of a local radio station.

Froggy 101 was holding a back-to-school contest. On a lark, Taylor’s mother, Laura Zimmerman,

entered online, two days

before the end.

“I just figured, ‘What the heck,’ ” Zimmerman said.

Six days

ago, the station called. No bus for her daughter: A limo would pick her up at her Huston Township home for the drive to school.

Suddenly, a momentous day became even more exciting.

The prize includes breakfast on the way — an order of pancakes, sausage and chocolate milk — and a backpack full of school supplies. In addition, the station is sending its frog mascot to the school and plans to broadcast students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

For a little more hoopla, kindergarten teachers Jenn Houser and Laurice

Mitchell can expect snacks for their classes from the station.

“It should be fun for the whole school,” said Principal Betsy Jo Dickey. “It should be very exciting.”

First days are crazy enough without a limo pulling up to the front entrance, a radio station mascot running around and students singing on air.

But Dickey and her staff aren’t worried. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a day for the ages.

“I think we’ll make the most of it,” Dickey said. “We certainly welcome all of our students that day, but it will be interesting. I think that would be something you would remember for a long time, being brought to school on your first day in a limousine.”

Parking changes in store

On the subject of driving, Bald Eagle Area High School has an important reminder for parents.

Because of ongoing construction, only buses will be allowed at the front of the school. Cars dropping off or picking up students will be directed to the building’s right and the entrance to the wrestling room.

Also, the lower parking lot near the highway, where roofing material currently sits, will remain closed until at least early November, limiting student parking. Students must obtain permits to avoid towing.

Rick Vilello, the construction project manager, expects “mass confusion” at first but hopes for smoother arrivals and departures as people become accustomed to the new routine. School officials, he said, will forgive a few minutes of tardiness from anyone stuck in the parking lot.

For students and parents alike, he advises cool heads.

“Be patient, be cooperative,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff going on.”

Chris Rosenblum writes about happenings in the Bald Eagle area. Send him news at crosenbl@centredaily.com or call 231-4620.

And visit the Bald Eagle Area community site on CentreDaily. com for previous On Centre columns, news, photos and more.