BREA, Calif. – Whether you’re part of 'The Resistance' or have pledged loyalty to 'The First Order,' May the 4th awakens the Force in all of us.

But in the year 2020, in a galaxy just off the 57 freeway, teachers like Keri Cox from Country Hills Elementary School in Brea lined up to say “bright suns” to their young 'Jedis,' who they‘ve been separated from amid the pandemic.

What You Need To Know


  • Teachers created Star Wars event for May 4th

  • Event allowed teachers to see their students from safe distance

  • Authentic costumes were provided by Star Wars fans

  • Students enjoyed seeing friends and teachers

“It’s so hard, and then seeing them all drive by here... it makes it really hard,” said Cox, who waved to students driving by.

Cox has been teaching here for 20 years. On Monday, she watched the line wrapped around the block on Associated Road, as parents drove their kids past her and her colleagues , who stood 6 ft. apart, their cars adorned with signs and honking with support.

“Here I was getting all butterflies and excited because I knew I’d get to see the staff and all the kids and families that I recognize and see every day when I come to school. So I was giddy like the first day of school, and the first day of school is one of my favorites,” Cox said.

The school has been participating in May the 4th, for five years. The authentic costumes are courtesy of a legion of fans like Storm Trooper and Brea Olinda Unified counselor Rob Stelmar whose fifth-grade son dressed as a Jawa.

“It’s touching to see the students come down. This line has not stopped. It keeps coming. And to see their faces and have them light up to see us but more importantly to see their teachers, it’s been really nice,” Stelmar says.

And while you might think the students would welcome not having to go to school, this line makes it very clear how much they miss being here.

“It was really fun because I miss them a lot, and I miss seeing my friends also,” said sixth grader Cole Miller.

As was said in The Force Awakens, ”It’s a time of uncertainty” with no timetable on a return to school. But like the Rebel Alliance, these teachers aren’t giving up, “no matter how dark it seems."

“Keep on trying, don’t give up. We will see you very, very soon. And I will have a giant hug for every, single one of you,” Cox said.

May the 4th be with you.