BUCYRUS — Area school districts are giving an extra shout-out to the Class of 2020. And they deserve it.
From yard signs and banners to donut-drive throughs, districts are recognizing seniors in special ways. Seniors who for the first time in decades have had to forfeit traditional graduation ceremonies due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
And so much more.
“You just feel so bad for them,” said Jake Bruner, Colonel Crawford High School principal. “It’s been a tough year. We’re just trying to honor them in small ways to show our appreciation for them.”
Colonel Crawford staff members, like other neighboring districts, delivered yard signs to the homes of all 70 graduates earlier this month. They are also being treated to donuts decorated in black and gold during a drive-thru in front of the high school flagpole.
Northmor graduates, likewise, can grab a free donut at the school while picking up additional graduation information. Superintendent Chad Redmon said seniors have also been given 2020 T-shirts and yard signs, plus they’re being spotlighted daily on the district’s Facebook page.
In downtown New Washington, village light poles are decorated with flags showcasing Buckeye Central athletes who missed out on baseball, softball and track season. Photos of all graduates are depicted on a 250-foot long banner hanging in front of the high school.
Buckeye Central Superintendent Mark Robinson said he conferred with other superintendents across the region to come up with ways to recognize this year’s graduates, and social media posts on Facebook and Twitter accounts were some of their top recommendations.
In a letter to Bucyrus High School graduates, Superintendent Matthew Chrispin said what members of the Class of 2020 have had to endure during this pandemic is both disheartening and historical, not just for them, but for family, friends and the community.
To pay tribute and “memorialize their fortitude and place in BHS history”, Chrispin said paver bricks with each graduate’s name will be installed in the sidewalk leading to the victory bell in front of the elementary school. Originally hung in 1870 for the first BHS graduation, the historic bell is traditionally used for the seniors’ annual bell ringing.
In addition to a prom video being posted online, Wynford High School seniors are being saluted during a “reverse parade.” High school principal Julie Miller said class composites also are being given to “the class that was quarantined.
Both Wynford and Bucyrus seniors have photos of the classes featured in the windows of downtown businesses.
Galion has saluted its 129 seniors with a parade through Heise Park in April, spotlights on social media, T-shirts and Tiger Pride yard signs, which were delivered by teachers two weeks ago, according to high school principal Ron Williams.
Crestline seniors received their caps and gowns during a rally complete with police escort. Superintendent Matt Henderson said a “clap out” parade with decorated cars is also on tap for graduation day, replacing the traditional clap out held in the hallways on the last day of school.
Photos of the 56 graduates of the Mohawk Local Schools are depicted on a banner in downtown Sycamore. High school principal Mark Vehre said the class, which is featured on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, was also surprised with yard signs.
The Upper Sandusky Exempted Village Schools’ mascot, Rambo, delivered yard signs to the homes of their seniors. Slideshows on social media and other video tributes are recognizing graduates, and a parade will take place before commencement, according to high school principal Tasha Stanton.
Overall, district administrators agree it only seemed fitting to go the extra mile this year. To acknowledge the sacrifices seniors made. And to say hats off to a graduating class that is sure to turn the misfortune of 2020 into memories for years to come.
Area graduations will be broadcasted on Iconic Rock Q92.7 WQEL and WQEL.com at the following times:
- Colonel Crawford High School – Sunday, May 17 at 1:30 p.m.
- Wynford High School – Saturday, May 23 at 8:30 p.m.
- Crestline High School – Friday, May 29 at 7 p.m.
- Galion High School – Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m.
- Northmor High School – Sunday, May 31 at 2 p.m.
- Buckeye Central High School – Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
- Bucyrus High School – Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m.