LAKELAND, Fla. — There is quite an inspiration behind the “car line guy” at McKeel South Academy in Lakeland.

  • Car line guy dresses up for month of October
  • Dax Gingras spreading Halloween cheer to kids, parents

Dax Gingras has been dressing up in costumes every day this month while he directs morning traffic at the school. On Halloween he dressed up as a Sumo wrestler.

When he started wearing costumes at the beginning of the month, he didn't have enough for a different one each day — but parents caught the vision.

“Next thing I know, people are donating costumes,” he said. “Bringing me bags of costumes almost daily.”

Gingras was a teacher at McKeel Central five years ago when he was diagnosed with the same kind of brain cancer that killed Sen. John McCain. After surgery he wasn't expected to live more than 10 months.

Gingras retired from teaching and sat around expecting to die for two years. He lacked direction. That’s when McKeel South Academy asked him to help out with a severe morning traffic problem by directing traffic. It has changed his life.

Gingras believes the satisfaction from getting up early every day to volunteer running the car line may help to prolong his life.

“Like you said, I am sure there are no studies, but I 100 percent believe that God put me here to do this and bring me some joy and purpose,” Gingras said. 

After surviving a terminal illness, Dax Gingras found his purpose as the "car line guy" at South McKeel Academy in Polk County. And he's been trying to spread cheer ever since — especially this Halloween! 🎃 👻
After surviving a terminal illness, Dax Gingras found his purpose as the "car line guy" at South McKeel Academy in Polk County. And he's been trying to spread cheer ever since — especially this Halloween! 🎃 👻