Image courtesy of The Parade Company
In a celebration of creativity and community spirit, the Skillman Foundation and Parade Company unveiled the grand prize winner of the 33rd annual Skillman Foundation Float Design Contest, Harmony Henry, a talented fifth-grader from University Prep Art & Design Elementary in Detroit. Henry’s winning design is set to dazzle parade-goers with its vibrant, imaginative flair.
Henry’s inspiring “Make Your Own Story,” illustration, built into a life-size float by Parade Company artists, will debut in America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White. Five additional students were Honorable Mention winners, and their designs will appear on the float as it makes its way down Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning.
5th-grade winner Harmony Henry, Image courtesy of The Parade Company
Angelique Power, President and CEO of The Skillman Foundation highlighted that tapping into young people’s unique perspectives helps envision how communities can come together for the greater good.
“We’re inspired by and proud of all the students who beautifully demonstrated the spirit behind the ‘Better Together’ theme,” Power said.
The Skillman Foundation partnered with the Parade Company to invite students in grades 4-8 from Detroit public or charter schools to creatively illustrate the contest theme “Better Together.”
Tony Michaels, President and CEO of the Parade Company emphasizes working with a wonderful partner such as The Skillman Foundation and talented students to create a unique float is so special.
“Young people truly are our future and seeing their creativity on display on Woodward on Thanksgiving morning is a wonderful experience,” Michaels said.
Image courtesy of The Parade Company
2024 Skillman Foundation Float Design Contest Honorable Mention Winners
- Kaiden Green, “Vision of Detroit Together,” sixth grade, University Prep Math & Science Middle School
- Alexander Holloway, “Holding Detroit Up,” fourth grade, Edmonson Montessori
- Miguel Mayes, “Love Your Friends,” fourth grade, University Prep Art & Design Elementary School
- Neidaly Pacheco, “W.B.T. (We Are Better Together)” fifth grade, Gardner Elementary School
- Korey Ray, “We Are Better Together,” fifth grade, Madison-Carver Academy
Harmony Henry’s winning illustration centered on friendship and hope depicting various young people coming together but creating their own stories. A backdrop of the earth, a rainbow and two large hands coming together gave Parade Company artists the perfect canvas to create an inspiring float.
As the grand prize winner, Henry and a family member will ride on the float parade on Thanksgiving, in addition to receiving accommodations at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center on the eve of the Parade and a free tour of The Parade Company followed by a pizza party for up to 10 guests.
Voted as America’s Number One Holiday Parade by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the 98th America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White will continue to awe generations of parade-goers on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit with amazing floats, larger than life balloons towering the skyline, celebrities, famous clowns and Big Heads, marching bands and so much more.
The parade is broadcast live on WDIV Local 4 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and nationally to millions of viewers across 185 major cities in the U.S.
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