Knicks Parade vs. Regents Exam: A Student’s Plea
As the Knicks celebrate their championship win, 12-year-old Sebastian Kloza finds himself stuck in school.
While the streets of Lower Manhattan come alive on Thursday with a parade honoring the 2026 NBA champions, led by stars like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, Sebastian will be one of many students taking the state-mandated Regents exam.
The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., starting near Battery Park and making its way along Broadway to City Hall, where Mayor Zoran Mamdani will present the Knicks with a key to the city.
Unfortunately, Sebastian likely won’t be able to witness this celebratory event. “Honestly, I’m upset because we’ve been looking forward to this for so long,” Kloza, a Brooklyn middle schooler, shared. “Parades are a big deal, and everyone should have the chance to enjoy them.”
This enthusiastic Knicks fan launched a petition on Change.org, urging Governor Kathy Hochul and local officials to close schools on June 18. He argues that “all students and proud New Yorkers deserve to participate in this monumental occasion.”
Since the Knicks clinched their championship by defeating the Spurs, Kloza’s petition gathered over 3,100 signatures from fellow fans, even though he initially struggled to get 100. His hope is that the officials might reconsider their decision at the last minute.
However, Kloza’s bid encountered a setback when Mayor Mamdani announced that classes would continue as planned, even during the parade festivities. “I know this team means a lot to many New Yorkers,” Mamdani stated. “But we also need to ensure students are prepared for their exams.”
These standardized tests, necessary for high school graduation, will still take place across the city that day. Although Sebastian isn’t taking the exam this year, he’ll be at school for a full day of study – unless his petition somehow achieves what feels like an impossible win.
“It might be tough to change the schedule,” Kloza admitted. “I mean, I get it, tests are important, but I thought trying this petition was worth it. The city really needs this moment.”
His mother, Colleen, expressed pride over her son’s passion, yet she felt it was disappointing that students had to advocate for a chance to celebrate. “This generation has witnessed a lot,” she noted. “This parade represents joy and unity. It’s important they can join in.”
Online, parents and teachers have rallied to support Kloza’s cause. One teacher remarked, “You have the power to change this, Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Cancel classes and Regents; it’s a significant day for our city.”
Another parent expressed frustration that students were facing exams while others celebrated. “With the victory, how can we not let everyone join in?”
Even a preschool director, who isn’t bound by the same requirements, expressed her dismay at the timing. “It seems irresponsible for the city to have a parade on the same day as a major exam,” she said, although she planned to leave work early to catch a glimpse of the festivities.
Laverne Mickens, a fourth-grade teacher, encouraged everyone to embrace the celebration. “Honestly, would you rather take a test or witness a Knicks parade?” she mused. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“The last time they won, I had just been born,” Mickens added. “Who knows when this magic will happen again? You should go to that parade.”
