EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) - When the story of McCornack Elementary School canceling Valentine's Day got some parents up in arms, one dad saw there was a lot of talk and no action.
Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, it's Captain Valentine! A local father dressed up, hoping to put some Valentine's Day fun back in the holiday for kids at McCornack Elementary.
Kevin Hopkins put on a costume, strapped on a cape and brought the holiday of love and joy to some unsuspecting elementary school students. Instead of giving out candy, he gave away hugs and smiles and he didn’t do it alone. His son, a student at McCornack, stopped by to help his dad. Captain Valentine understands the school wanting to keep kids healthy, but he disagrees with taking the holiday away because of cultural differences.
"We are a melting pot and there is diversity. I think we should celebrate that and not be critical of others. It's a simple salutation - 'Happy Valentine's Day' - its right up there with 'Merry Christmas',” said Kevin Hopkins AKA Captain Valentine.
Parents and onlookers took pictures and seemed just as happy to see him as the kids did. Children at the school said they started a petition against canceling the holiday as well as staging a sit-in to prove a point.
