RACHEL, W.Va. — Parents of North Marion High School seniors formed a reception line of cars Friday draped with banners and signs of support while caps and gowns were handed out in a drive-through at the school.
Parent Erin Parker said the class of 2020 has faced challenges over much of their high school careers.
“They’ve only had one full year of school, their freshman year,” Parker told WAJR Radio News. “Their sophomore year they went through the teachers strike, their junior year they went through the teachers strike, and this year we’re dealing with the COVID.”
North Marion parents provide surprise reception for senior Huskies https://t.co/F7pQcInPlc pic.twitter.com/6260fMeFhk
— Michael G Nolting (@YourNewsguy) April 23, 2020
North Marion High School Principal Rusty Devito said the community has been huge source of support for the students and faculty.
“That’s one of the great things about North Marion and this area, they just pull together and help each other,” Devito said. “We all miss our kids, we really really do.”
Graduation is planned for May 22 and Devoti said there will be a ceremony of some kind.
“We are thinking of some ideas, maybe bring in so many kids at a time, maybe one at a time with two people with masks and gloves to make they’re kept safe and we’re safe,” he said.
The seniors are glad to graduate, but miss saying goodbyes and a traditional ceremony. Kaylee Beckman is a senior planning to study elementary education at Fairmont State University.
“I think it’s crazy, but it’s what happens and we made the best out of it,” Beckman said.