A day stuffed with cuddly animals
By Rebecca Ray
Photographs by Paul Myers
When children go to school, they usually leave their stuffed animals at home. But students at Lexington Elementary School were encouraged to bring their favorite furry friends and march in the school's fourth annual Stuffed Animal Day Parade.
Almost every student, from kindergarten through fifth grade, brought cherished cuddly creatures, which ranged from snakes, alligators and fish to the old standby, teddy bears. Some animals were small enough to fit in children's pockets, while others were almost as big as the children.
Lisa Ferguson (left) and Rachel Hogan join in the fun at Lexington Elementary School's fourth annual Stuffed Animal Day Parade.
During recess, students displayed their snuggly friends and marched in a circle on the playground to music by John Philip Sousa.
"It's just a feel-good experience," Principal Raf Strudley said.
David Collins brought a stuffed bear to Lexington Elementary School's Stuffed Animal Day Parade that was so huge he had to pull it in a wagon.
Strudley, who started the tradition of the parade when he became principal of the school three years ago, added that there was no competition during the event.
Some teachers saw the special day as a chance to help students beef up their writing skills, and asked them to write about their favorite hugable critters.
Sam Bowers, a student at Lexington Elementary School, marches in the school's Stuffed Animal Day Parade during recess. On Stuffed Animal Day, students brought their favorite stuffed animals to school.
Teachers and administrators also got into the stuffed animal spirit. Strudley brought Wallace, the character from the animated TV show Wallace and Gromit. The plush toy normally sits on Strudley's shelf.
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