By the Pride and Port Committee
The annual fall celebration Pride in Port includes a parade.
In addition to participation by all Port Washington schools, Police and Fire Departments, and dozens of organizations, a Grand Marshal is selected to lead the parade each year. This year, The Nicholas Center Navigators will be the Grand Marshal for the 35th Pride in Port Parade.
The Nicholas Center’s Core Values include community service. The Nicholas Center Navigators assist, support and volunteer with local non-profit organizations through community service projects. This achieves their mission of “being woven into the fabric of the community.”
The Navigators volunteer with more than 25 local organizations, including the Plant-a-Row-for-the-Hungry, Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, North Shore Animal League, the Business Improvement District and Growing Love Community Garden.
“The Nicholas Center is honored to be recognized as an integral part of the Port Washington community as Grand Marshal for Pride in Port 2024,” The Nicholas Center’s co-founder Stella L. Spanakos said. “For a population facing 85% unemployment and under-engagement, marching in a parade means acceptance and inclusion…it means the world. We are thrilled.”
Founded in 2011, The Nicholas Center has revolutionized the way Autistic adults learn, live and work by offering vocational training, supported employment, meaningful community-based projects and vital peer connections. Visit tncnewyork.org to learn more about this vibrant and important organization.
While this is the first year The Nicholas Navigators will march as Parade Grand Marshal, each year, they are cheered on as they march the parade route along with their peers from The Nicholas Center.
