Rochester Voice 5:44 a.m.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 5:45 am

Gonic School families brought a variety of pets to the inaugural Pet Parade including a miniature horse! (Courtesy photos Rochester School District)

ROCHESTER -- A dogged effort by several of Gonic School's third-grade students paid off Monday morning when the school's inaugural pet parade rolled by.

At the start of the school day on Monday, students lined the fence near the building to cheer passing cars filled with dogs, cats, guinea pigs and even a miniature horse. The parade also featured an appearance by Rochester Police K-9 Ripley and the Rochester Fire Department mascot, Marshall.

From left, Gonic School third-graders Khloe, Will Bailey, Willow Pierce, Lucas Strydom, Delainy Robbins, and Molly MacDonald with Reading Specialist Kate Snow. (

Before that could happen, though, students had to convince Principal Greg Brown it was a good idea. To do so, they worked with Reading Specialist Kate Snow to write persuasive essays -- drafting and editing them over multiple sessions before presenting them to Brown.

While intrigued by the idea, Brown needed more convincing and so he challenged students to defend their stance in a debate-style presentation, after which he was convinced that Gonic School indeed needed to host a pet parade.

In all, 21 vehicles were decorated with posters sharing information about the approximately 30 family pets on display.

"The students did an excellent job writing and presenting persuasively, and the pet parade was a great event for our school community," Brown said. "I want to thank everyone who volunteered to take part, and I'm looking forward to seeing what idea our students come up with next."