Teen displaced by hurricane gets birthday parade

A motorcade of birthday revelers gathered at Walt Clark Middle School on Thursday to brighten the day of one Louisiana teenager, Olivia Perruzza, whose 14th birthday plans were dashed by Hurricane Laura.

The parade organized by an informal group of Loveland and Berthoud residents was thought up as a surprise for Perruzza, who had spent the past five days in Eaton with her great aunt, Carol Mccartney.

According to Perruza’s father, Roy, Hurricane Laura forced their family out of their home. Since then, they have been living with Olivia’s grandfather, who doesn’t have running water and electricity.

While Olivia turned 14 on Sept. 10, Roy said it was hard for the group to get in the bir thday spirit.

“We made sure she had at least one candle she could wish on,” he said. “We tried, but there was only so much we could do. We had no water, no electric, no nothing.”

Mccartney said the visit to Eaton was meant as a break for Olivia. As Olivia sat in front of the school, she said that she was “terrified” of the birthday surprise and smiled.

“I have no idea what’s happening,” she said.

A few blocks away at Thompson Valley High School, the group led by Connie Brown was stocking candy in cars and preparing for Olivia’s belated special day.

Brown’s daughter is related to Olivia’s family, and she said Thursday’s parade was “personal” for their family.

“My daughter called, and she was just so upset,” she said.“allwewantistoseea smile on her face.”

The group made its way west on Carlisle Drive, honking horns and shouting birthday greetings as they pulled up to Olivia and her family.

Some got out to hand Olivia presents. Some came in costume, like Isaiah Ortega (Deadpool) and Kaylynn Fischer (Anna from Arendelle) to take photos with her.

“It’s nice to see a celebrity on their special day,” Fischersaid.

One woman, Becky Velarde, sprayed bubbles from her car and got out to give Olivia a hug.

“You have no idea how happy we are,” she said. “We haven’t done a big one like this in weeks.”

As the group dispersed slowly, Olivia said she didn’t know whether she was still scared or not.

“That was terrifying, and I don’t want it to happen again, but I also do,” she said.

Max Levy: 970-699-5404, mlevy@prairiemountainme dia.com

Jenny sparks / Loveland Weekly Anna from Arendelle (also known as Kaylynn Fischer), left, motions toward a surprise parade of cars with people wishing happy birthday to Olivia Perruzza, 14, center, on Thursday outside of Walt Clark Middle School in Loveland.