A fifth grader from Detroit is about to see her dream come to life in a way she never imagined. Lyric Weathers, a student at Schulze Academy for Technology & Arts, won the grand prize in The Skillman Foundation’s 34th Float Design Contest, and her design, titled “Cultures are Around the World,” will be featured as a stunning new float in the 99th America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White on Nov. 27. Lyric’s float, created from her drawing, will make its debut in front of thousands of parade-goers and millions of viewers across the nation.
The contest, which invited students from grades 4-8 in Detroit public and charter schools, asked young artists to interpret the theme “My Dream for the World.” Lyric’s design was chosen from hundreds of submissions, selected for its vibrant portrayal of cultural unity and global community. She is one of many Detroit students whose creativity was celebrated in a special unveiling event at the Parade Company, where the float was revealed to an audience of students, educators, and family members.
Speaking at the unveiling, Sarida Scott, vice president of programs at The Skillman Foundation, emphasized the importance of fostering creativity in youth, noting that “What makes this tradition special is the way it highlights the voices and visions of our young people. Their ideas and artistry remind us that the future isn’t something distant, it’s being shaped right now by their creativity and determination.” The collaboration between The Skillman Foundation and the Parade Company aims to give young people a platform to showcase their ideas, bringing their dreams to life in a spectacular way…