WLE’s Wildcat Wally Predicts an Early Spring

Comments Off on WLE’s Wildcat Wally Predicts an Early Spring
WLES students cheer when they hear Wildcat Wally predict an early spring. WLES PE teacher Michael Grimm and WLES Speech Therapist Becky Hinerman are in the background with Wildcat Wally.
WLES students cheer when they hear Wildcat Wally predict an early spring. WLES PE teacher Michael Grimm and WLES Speech Therapist Becky Hinerman are in the background with Wildcat Wally.

Groundhog Day is a popular tradition that dates back to the mid-1800s and has roots in the German communities of Pennsylvania. This weather folklore is based on using an animal to forecast the weather.

The most popular Groundhog Day ceremony takes place each year on February 2nd in the western Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney. A mythical groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow to predict either an early spring or an extended winter. If Phil sees his shadow because of clear skies, it means winter will persist for six more weeks; however, if he doesn’t see his shadow because of clouds, spring is right around the corner.

Judy Doyle is flanked by WLES kindergartners, from left, Holden Fecat and Chase Huggins while playing “The Chicken Dance” song on their accordions.
Judy Doyle is flanked by WLES kindergartners, from left, Holden Fecat and Chase Huggins while playing “The Chicken Dance” song on their accordions.

On Friday, January 31, 2025, the faculty, staff and students at Washington Lands Elementary School held their own Groundhog Day celebration. The fifth annual forecasting ceremony took place in the school’s gymnasium, thanks to Mother Nature providing rain outside, and it began with the students doing the Pennsylvania Polka led by WLES Music teacher Eli Lambie, 5th grade members of the Wildcat Band and accordionist, Judy Doyle.

WLES students are all smiles while doing the Pennsylvania Polka.
WLES students are all smiles while doing the Pennsylvania Polka.

Then, physical education teacher Michael Grimm read a proclamation, written by WLES Speech Therapist Becky Hinerman, similar to the one recited during the Punxsutawney festivities. Instead of a groundhog, a two-year-old cat from Kitty Komrades, a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue organization in Glen Dale, was used as the forecaster. The kitty was temporarily renamed Wildcat Wally after the school’s mascot.

When Wildcat Wally was lifted from his colorful cat carrier, she did not see her shadow. Many students erupted with applause for the prognosis of an early spring; however, some had frowns on their faces because they want a few more days off from school because of snow. Wildcat Wally’s prediction contradicted Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter, which was given two days later. No matter the outcome, the entire student body enjoyed meeting Wildcat Wally.

In conjunction with the celebration, the school held theme dress-up days throughout the week. Students were encouraged to donate a dollar each day they participated, however they didn’t have to pay to take part in the activities. Monday was hat day. Tuesday students were decked out in neon. On Wednesday, participants sported their favorite team’s jersey. Thursday featured 80’s clothing, and everyone wore their favorite holiday day attire on Friday.

WLES students and faculty Do-si-do to the “Chicken Dance Song.”
WLES students and faculty Do-si-do to the “Chicken Dance Song.”

A grand total of $332 was donated to Kitty Komrades. Simone, the short-haired female tabby who played Wildcat Wally, is available for adoption at Kitty Komrades, along with around 100 additional felines. There are no adoption fees, just an application process to complete.

Posted in SchoolNews, SchoolNews-WLE