Michael T. Mondak speaks: Small Battles, Big Victories Chapter 16: Parade of Triumph

The most recent post talked about how the movie about the bond between Jackson Pryts and Cassie Day swept the major Oscar Awards.  This one talks about Jackson and Cassie being honored as co-grand marshals of the City of Hermitage Holiday Light Parade just before Thanksgiving.  And among past grand marshals, yours truly is a part of this chapter!

The November air in Hermitage carried a crisp chill that hinted at winter’s approach, but the warmth of pride and celebration filled every corner of the city. Blue and white streamers danced above State Street, banners of We Are fluttering from lampposts, and children clutched hot cocoa cups with mittened hands as they waited for the first floats to appear.

This wasn’t just another parade. This was the parade — the grand celebration of a year that had brought the Shenango Valley together in triumph, perseverance, and heart. It was November 23, and the people of Hermitage were there for them — for Cassie Day and Jackson Pryts.  WKBN 27 First News provided live coverage of the parade, with Hanna Erdman, Ryan Halicki and Shianna Gibbons being sent to Hermitage to cover the parade.

As the band from Hickory High School marched past playing the Penn State fight song, the cheers grew louder. Cassie, now radiant with health and grace, sat beside Jackson on the lead float — both honored as co–grand marshals of the city’s holiday parade. Cassie waved to the crowd with her signature smile, the same one that had once brightened a hospital room window. Jackson, wearing his familiar navy jacket and his Steelers Super Bowl ring glinting in the sun, laughed and tossed miniature footballs to children on the curb.

Behind them, a second float carried banners recognizing past grand marshals — The Balloon Man, Michael T. Mondak, still handing out helium balloons to children just as he always had; former parks and recreation director Ed Chess; former state senator Bob Robbins; and dignitaries such as city manager Gary Hinkson. They all stood together, applauding Cassie and Jackson as the crowd roared with pride.

The Penn State Alumni Band played “Fight On, State” as Cassie leaned toward Jackson. “It feels like yesterday,” she said softly, watching the crowd wave and cheer. “The hospital room, the games, the balloons… it’s all come full circle.”

Jackson nodded, emotion glinting in his eyes. “You fought your battle harder than I ever fought mine,” he said. “This parade—it’s for you, Cass.”

Cassie smiled, shaking her head. “No, Jackson. It’s for us. For everyone who believed in something bigger.”

As the float passed the Hermitage municipal building, fireworks burst over the skyline — daylight sparkles of blue and white raining down in celebration. The crowd erupted into chants of We Are… Penn State! that rolled through the Shenango Valley like thunder.

Cassie reached for Jackson’s hand and held it high in the air, the two of them waving together as confetti swirled. For one moment, all of Hermitage stood united — not just in the success of a team, but in the spirit of two people whose friendship had changed lives.

The float rounded its final turn. The band played the closing notes of “Victory,” and the announcer’s voice echoed through the speakers:

“Ladies and gentlemen — Hermitage proudly honors two of its own: Cassie Day and Jackson Pryts, symbols of strength, courage, and community. This is more than a celebration — this is a legacy.”

As the final bursts of confetti rained down, Cassie turned her gaze upward toward the clear blue sky — the same sky she once dreamed of forecasting as a little girl tied to hospital machines.  She thought back to her battle with cancer, Jackson’s visits to her, the national championship, the balloons, Jackson’s Super Bowls, the CASSIE STRONG cheers, and the Oscars.  And above the cheers, above the music, above the fanfare, there was only one thing: gratitude. Gratitude for the battles fought, the victories earned, and the bond that had carried them both through it all.

On Small Business Saturday, College Gameday was back in Happy Valley, broadcasting from inside the Bryce Jordan Center, because an early winter storm on Thanksgiving night had blanketed the area with 18 inches of snow.

At 9 in the morning, Rece Davis exclaimed: “Good morning from Happy Valley!  What a week it has been for the Nittany Nation! Just last Saturday, Cassie Day and Jackson Pryts, fresh off Hollywood’s biggest stage, led the Holiday Light Parade in Hermitage as co-grand marshals!  Now, they will come back to Beaver Stadium, where their story began!”

A medley of clips played over Chris Fowler’s voiceover, including the parade footage, fireworks lighting the sky, fans chanting, Oscars night, and the national championship.  “From the red carpet to East State Street, their journey has captivated the nation!  Cassie Day and Jackson Pryts - their story isn’t just about football, it’s about family, resilience and a bond that started right here in Happy Valley.”

On the set, Kirk Herbstreit was smiling.  “You know what I love?” he asked, “Those two have been everywhere.  Hollywood.  New York. The Super Bowl.  But you can see in their faces, nothing compares to coming home.  That parade was like a movie ending, but now they’re right back in the middle of Penn State football.”

The crowd inside Bryce Jordan Center went wild!

Even Desmond Howard was laughing.  “And did you see those signs?” he added, “I caught one that said Cassie & Jackson 2025 Heisman of the Heart! That’s a first!”

And wouldn’t you know it, Cassie and Jackson were back!

“Cassie!  Jackson!  Welcome home!” exclaimed Rece.  “How does it feel to go from Oscar night to being back home with your Penn State family?”

Cassie was beaming.  “Honestly?  This… right here… is the best stage in the world!  Nothing beats Happy Valley!”

“The parade in Hermitage was incredible,” Jackson added, “but hearing this crowd?! That’s when you know you’re home.”

The chants of CASSIE!  CASSIE! could be heard from Pittsburgh to Hermitage!

Lee Corso grinned.  “I tell you what… I’ve seen a lot of parades in my day.  But Hermitage?!  Last weekend?!” he exclaimed.  “THAT WAS HOLLYWOOD MEETS FOOTBALL COUNTRY! Today, I think there will be some magic on the field too!”

The crowd let out the biggest cheer of the morning with that remark!

It seemed that it just would never end, not even as Cassie and Jackson saw Penn State defeat Rutgers to punch their ticket to another Big Ten championship over USC, leading to another Rose Bowl win over Oregon State and another national championship over Hawaii.  But it didn’t matter.  It still wasn’t about winning on the field.  It was about winning the small battles on and off the field.