The volunteers carried the balloons out to the school's field, fighting a cold wind to tie them down. At the end of a five-second countdown, hundreds of students and their parents released their red, white and black balloons, the kids screaming in delight as the cross followed its smaller companions.
"It's done so quick!" Pilat exclaimed as he watched the cross and balloons float away.
The balloon launch was part of Catholic Schools Week, the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States, according to the National Catholic Educational Association's website.
The event was put on by Shiner Catholic School, the umbrella name of the St. Ludmila Elementary and St. Paul High School.
Before the event, first-year volunteer Jim Winkenwerder stood by a helium tank filling balloons. His participation was born out of a want to be doing things with his daughter, 5-year-old Alena, who is in the pre-K program.
"I think it definitely sets an example to the kids to give back to the community and the school," he said.
Parents Patrick and Laura Klozik, whose 9-year-old son Thomas is in fourth grade, had brought their mother Barbara to help assemble the cross. Made up of tubular balloons lashed together with ribbons, the cross took at least five people to put together and transport to the field.
Catholic Schools Week is an event Patrick said reminds people of the importance of God. He pointed to recent mass shootings and what he considers a disregard for people and humanity - things that he sees as coming out of a lack of belief in God.
The event is also seen as a celebration of the school and the work by the students, teachers and parents. Melissa Hairell, whose 3-year-old Charlotte is in the pre-K program, said the parents' work on the program is an example for everyone.
"I'm sure the kids notice all the parents who help, so that shows them a sense of community and that's what they're supposed to do," she said. "So, I think it's a good lesson for everybody, including adults."
Drone video by Jim Winkenwerder.