SCHENECTADY — An unexpected surprise awaited the 17 members of the City Mission of Schenectady’s Downtown Ambassador program as they convened for a routine training session on a typical Thursday morning. Little did they know, they were about to be thrust into the limelight at one of Schenectady’s most significant events.
Following a short address by Schenectady County Legislature Chair Gary Hughes, in which he lauded the Ambassador program for transforming formerly homeless individuals into downtown greeters and community helpers over the past 15 years, Hughes revealed that the Ambassadors would be the grand marshals at the 55th Annual Holiday Parade on Nov. 23.
Emotions ran high as the crowd erupted in applause and cheers upon the announcement of the Ambassadors’ role in the parade. Members of the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base, who were the grand marshals in the 2023 parade, entered the room with balloons, congratulating the parade’s newly appointed marshals.
“It’s an incredible honor,” said Ambassador Serena Radez, post-announcement. “We are not only honored but also excited and proud of our journey. We’ve come a long way. I love what we do and I think this is fantastic. The thought of us being in the parade is just thrilling.”
The very same Ambassadors who tirelessly roam the city streets offering assistance to visitors will now spearhead the annual parade through the heart of downtown Schenectady.
During the parade, community members will step into the shoes of the Ambassadors for a night, allowing the Ambassadors to enjoy a well-deserved night off and lead the procession.
“We’ll be representing our entire city, which is astounding,” Radez said. “It’s a testament to our work that we’re going to be leading the parade and that people will be filling our roles.”
The program was initiated in 2009, with the City Mission partnering with Proctors and Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority to bring the concept to life.
Michael Saccocio, executive director of City Mission, shared that the county approached the Mission with the idea of honoring the Ambassadors as the Holiday Parade’s grand marshals. He declared Thursday as the most memorable day in the history of the Ambassadors program.
“Imagine being homeless a year ago, seeking shelter, and feeling like your life is falling apart,” Saccocio said. “You can’t even envision a future and one year later you’re a grand marshal of the largest nighttime parade in the region. It’s like a Hollywood story.”
Members from the 109th Airlift Wing presented Ambassador Anthony Mayers with a sash, marking him as a marshal in the parade.
Mayers, who was previously homeless and unemployed, has served as an Ambassador for 13 years, helping locals and tourists navigate city streets and locate local destinations.
“Receiving this honor signifies that I’m making a significant contribution to the community,” Mayers said. “I received help, and now I’m giving it back. Transforming my life through the Mission program means the world to me.”
Hughes commended the Ambassadors for making Schenectady residents and visitors feel welcome and safe in the downtown district. His comments were followed by a prerecorded video of him announcing that the Ambassadors had been selected as the grand marshals for the annual Holiday Parade that winds its way through downtown Schenectady.
“In many ways, the Ambassadors are the adhesive that binds our downtown together,” Hughes said after the announcement. “Mike Saccocio is correct in saying that community support is crucial for an organization like this to succeed, but it also requires an organization like City Mission and individuals like the Ambassadors who are determined to change their lives. In the process of transforming their own lives, they also enrich our community and make it a better place.”
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