Sometimes an expression is used and/or overused to the point that it’s original meaning, no matter how pertinent, turns the expression into a cliche. Such is the case with the phrase that begins “It takes a village …” The original phase, which comes from Nigeria, translates to “It takes a village (community) to raise a child.” The meaning of course is that everyone in a community is responsible for our children’s education and upbringing.

Over the years the expression has been co-oped by organizations, religions, political causes and much more. But no matter how much the expression is used and overused, the underlying message remains intact. That expression came to mind Sunday at the Houghton High School Hockey team’s victory parade, which proceeded down Shelden Avenue on its’ way to the high school for a victory rally.

In the unlikely event you haven’t heard by now, the Hockey Gremlins upended defending Division III state champ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s 5-2 to earn its first state hockey championship since 1982. Judging by the turnout for the parade and rally, we were reminded of that old chestnut … “It takes a village, to win a hockey championship.”

Anyone who has been involved in youth hockey on any level knows full well that success is determined by much more than the six players on the ice, or the dozen or more on the bench waiting for their turn. It takes the players, certainly, and of course the coaches, training staff, athletic director and school staff and more. It takes the fans. If you listened to the game or streamed it, you could feel early on the significant impact of the students, family, alumni and supporters who made the nearly 555 mile trip to cheer on the Gremlins.

But the support goes much deeper. It really takes a village, it takes the local media who sent play by play announcers and sports writers to follow the Gremlins on their journey. And of course that media coverage was only made possible by the businesses who sponsored the radio, TV and Daily Mining Gazette coverage. We’ve long felt that if appreciated local coverage of sports teams, pay attention to the sponsors and show your appreciation through your patronage. Local businesses carried equipment and other supplies needed by the team and individual players. It takes the local establishments that help “watch parties” for those unable to get the big game through conventional means.

At the parade, we were struck by the fact that joining in the celebration were fire and police departments from well beyond Houghton’s city boundaries. Fire departments from throughout Houghton County took part and folks from all over joined in the parade or waved orange and black pom-poms from the sidewalk as the victors passed.

The Gremlins’ victory was celebrated by many many people simply because so many played a role in attaining that coveted trophy. It really does take a village … and we were proud to turn out just to tell the Gremlins how proud we are of their impressive accomplishment. Well done.