A parade of their own: Communities plan salute to seniors

Graduation and the ceremonies surrounding it may be different this year, but schools and communities are coming up with new ways to honor graduates.

Senior awards are being announced via virtual ceremonies as are many scholarships. Parades are planned in several communities and signs are popping up in yards like blooming flowers.

Nearly all area schools switched to a platform where graduates received their diplomas individually during a designated time slot. Most picked their diploma up off a table. Edison Local held a monthlong celebration during which they announced the valedictorian and salutatorian. Seniors decorated the front door of their home and had their picture taken in front of it with pictures displayed during a virtual honors banquet. School officials allowed students to select the person they wanted to present their diploma from the six allowed to attend the individual ceremony.

CARROLLTON

Carrollton graduates will be recognized with a senior parade May 23, the day after graduation was originally scheduled, May 22. A video compilation of graduates will be released on the school website and Facebook at 7 p.m. May 22.

Lineup for the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Ponderosa on Canton Rd. Only one senior is permitted to ride in a vehicle. Vehicles will exit the parking lot, turn right onto Canton Rd. and left onto Main St. to Public Square and follow SR 332 to the new school.

School officials noted students are permitted to ride in the beds of pickup trucks.

Businesses are encouraged to show support with signs. Supporters may line the parade route.

MALVERN

Malvern seniors will “walk the stage” and receive their diplomas during individual ceremonies May 31. At 6:30 p.m. that evening, a senior parade is planned. Graduates are encouraged to decorate their vehicle and arrive in the staff parking lot at the school at 6 p.m. Sheriff Deputies and Great Trail Fire Dept. will lead the caravan through town, returning to the high school.

Businesses are encouraged to show support with signs.

MINERVA

Minerva school officials provided the opportunity for each student to “walk the stage” and plan to post a video on social media May 22 at 8 p.m.

A parade is scheduled through the village May 20. Seniors may decorate their vehicles (no political messages, must be school appropriate) and wear caps. Only one senior permitted per vehicle.

Those wishing to participate should meet at Grace Chapel (former Shopko building) on SR 183 at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. Members of the Minerva Police Dept. and Sandy Creek Fire District will lead the caravan. Businesses are encouraged to make signs supporting the graduates. Those wishing to watch are asked to remain in their vehicles along the route.

CONOTTON VALLEY

Conotton Valley graduates will be recognized with a drive-thru in front of the school May 24 from noon to 1 p.m., when graduates will pick up a diploma, senior gift and copy of a compilation of each graduate walking the stage. A link to view the ceremony will be posted on the Conotton Valley website May 24.

SOUTHERN LOCAL

Seventy-three Southern Local graduates received diplomas during a virtual graduation May 16. The event was filmed and will be aired May 22 at 7 p.m., the date of the original commencement exercise on YouTube and Facebook. Seniors were allowed six guests at the taping of the ceremony and afforded the opportunity to receive their diploma from the person of their choice.