STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The spirit of St. John Villa Academy is still strong.
While the Arrochar school plans to close at the end of the academic year, current students, alumni, parents, faculty, friends and family plan to march for the school's pride and honor during the Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 4.
The march will be a "farewell" to the school.
Christina Salcido, who graduated from Villa and is a parent of a first-grader and fourth-grader, is coordinating the Villa family's march.
More than 100 people have already signed up to march, and Salcido predicts more will join in anticipation of the day.
"We want to promote that we still have our pride and honor, and we want to thank the sisters for giving us what we have," Salcido said. "And [we want] to share this little light we have with the rest of Staten Island community. We are holding the torch high up until the very end."
Salcido hopes the march will help lift the spirits of Villa students, especially those who are working to secure a seat at other schools.
The parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. The Forest Avenue route begins at Hart Boulevard and ends at Jewett Ave., West Brighton.
Participants can wear sports or school uniforms, or purchase a special shirt made for the event.
Those interested in joining participants in the march can call or text Salcido at 646-245-5555, or email Christinasmy31@aol.com.