The Gym Dandies Children’s Circus has so much for which to be thankful! It is hard to know where to begin. First I’d like to thank your paper for the comprehensive coverage of our recent trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For many kids this was a “dream come true”. The trip was an absolutely amazing experience for everyone who was involved. It’s hard to describe the feeling of watching 56 of our kids pedaling down Broadway to the cheers of 2 million people! It meant so much to know the Scarborough and local community were supportive every pedal of the way!

This program wouldn’t exist without our founder, Jon Cahill. He is our bedrock. He has dedicated 24 years to the development of the circus arts program, and it shows! With over 225 students enrolled in the program, it is thriving. Where else can you find 8-year-old third-graders performing with 18-year-old seniors? Mr. Cahill’s founding tenet, “Practice Makes Everything Possible,” holds true for everyone. The trip to Macy’s was awesome, but Mr. Cahill’s commitment is astounding! And his focus remains on what is best for the kids.

There are many people that worked together to make this trip happen, but the Gym Dandies program is indebted to the whole Scarborough School Department. I would like to specifically thank two employees whose partnership is fundamental.

Wentworth Intermediate School’s physical education department has been very understanding. With students practicing every afternoon, Monday through Friday, things can be hectic. We are very grateful for their accommodation!

When preparing for the Macy’s Day Parade, we realized that outdoor practice would be essential. Prinicipal Ann Mayre Dexter gave us approval to use the parking lot at the Wentworth Intermediate School. This practice time and space was critical to our success. We are so thankful to the school department for all of the support.

We realize how very fortunate we are to have this unique program in Scarborough. It continues to provide unique and character building experiences. The Gym Dandies Children’s Circus is about so much more than parades and performances. It is about teaching kids that persistence pays off. Watching “scarf jugglers” become “three ball jugglers” and unicyclists turning into “giraffers” has a magic all its own. It is about learning that it is exciting to be a part of something big, that one needs to smile even when your legs ache, that physical fitness is fun, and that performing in front of a crowd brings joy to the audience. In short, “Practice Makes Everything Possible” and dreams can come true.

Heather Sirocki

Gym Dandies Booster Chair