Helena’s annual century-long Vigilante Parade is a tradition for local high school students to celebrate the city’s history with often elaborate floats that meander through downtown’s Last Chance Gulch.  But when one student noticed that some of her schoolmates weren’t participating thi s year, she stepped in to ensure they had a chance to be a part of the tradition. Olivia Lyndes, a junior at Capital High School, is a part of the Unified conjoined class, which closely integrates students with and without intellectual or physical disabilities. She knew that many of her classmates with disabilities were interested in helping decorate and ride on their own floats, but hadn’t undertaken the somewhat daunting process of recruiting sponsors, securing supplies and planning decorations. So, Lyndes started organizing. “They’re all my friends, so I’m really excited to be able to do this with them,” Lyndes told Montana Free Press. “And it’s not really about what I’m doing. I just want them to be able to have fun.” Because the decision to enter a float for the Unified students came a little later than usual in the planning, Lyndes said she hustled to secure a trailer, business sponsors and decorations. She eventually partnered with six companies that donated or discounted materials. From sponsorships to ensuring the student group had a licensed driver to pull their float in the parade, Lyndes has spearheaded the process, including selecting the float’s theme, which is based on the Tizer Botanic Gardens in Jefferson City, about a 20-minute drive south of Helena.  This year will mark Helena’s 102nd Vigilante Parade, a unique tradition for the area’s high school students. Credit: JoVonne Wagner / MTFP “I was talking to my mom, and she thought that would be a really cool idea because [it has] lots of flowers and it would be fun for the kids to help just put on the flowers and help us,” Lyndes said.  Capital High Vice Principal Mick Morris said that taking on the project is no light feat. “ I was really glad that that [Olivia] stepped up and ended up kind of taking it on,” Morris told MTFP. “It is a big undertaking with the process of signing up, to securing trailers and drivers and then obviously in terms of getting materials for it.” CHS Special Education teacher Ellie Fjeseth, who helped oversee the students’ work on their float Thursday afternoon, said that Unified students often express excitement about the chance to take part in the Vigilante Parade. “ Every year it’s one of the highlights of the year,” Fjeseth told MTFP. “Students love it, staff loves it, everybody loves the parade. We are happy every event is an inclusive event, so we’re happy that the parade’s also one.”  About 11 Unified students helped decorate the float, with most planning on riding on it Friday during the parade. “ [Olivia] is a go-getter, and she saw what she felt was a need and wanted to make sure everyone was included, so she went after it,” said Kristen Lyndes, Olivia’s mother, who was also assisting with decorating. The Vigilante Parade began in 1924, and the annual parade grew into a big deal for the community and students, so much so that when discussions last year to alter the parade’s route through downtown came to light, it sparked significant public pushback, ultimately leading the city and the district to leave the route as is.  The high schools usually cancel class on the Friday of the parade, and the district releases the younger grades early so they can watch. This year will be Helena’s 102nd Vigilante Parade, and with Lyndes’ efforts, this year’s parade will feel a little more inclusive.  “ I think everybody should get an opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves, and I think this is a great way to do it,” Lyndes said. “ I’m just really excited to be able to do this, and I hope they all have fun.” The post ‘I just want them to be able to have fun’ appeared first on Montana Free Press. ...read more read less