This year nothing really went as planned. This was supposed to be a year of celebrating "lasts" for David. He never got his last band concert, or last day of school, or last prom, or senior trip to the water park, or any of that. The school did their best to make it special for the seniors. They presented David with his valedictorian plaque at our house, instead of at the school board meeting. (The picture didn't turn out that great). A local pastor (and teacher) recorded a baccalaureate speech. A local family bought gift cards to a local coffee shop, and others donated items as well. So the seniors picked up the gift cards, and bag of goodies (gum, candy, chips etc.) Another senior parent worked with a local photographer to have banners made for about a third of the normal price. David picked up free donuts, and other other items for being a senior.
Graduation day was a week later than originally planned. The graduation speeches were pre-recorded and put together in a YouTube video released that morning. They spent the morning handing out diplomas. They asked them to come during a 1 hour window. The family would drive up, drop off the senior, then they would get to walk to the stand pick up their diploma and walk to the stage and get their picture taken, then walk off the stage. Completely no contact, and following all guidelines. The staff on site all wore masks. While in the car we could take videos and pictures, but could not get out. So this is what we got:
This is the professional photo
Afterward we gave him this money lei.
We took a few more pictures at home since we didn't get to so that at the school
We had treated it kind of like a birthday, in that David got to choose what to have for dinner, and just tried to make it a special day for him. He chose Papa Murphy's pizza. So after taking pictures, Aaron went over to visit with someone and then picked up the pizza and the cake. We had ordered an ice cream cake for the celebration, and surprised David with it later.
After dinner we headed out to the senior parade. Since the community and extended family couldn't see the senior graduate, they organized a parade. We lined up at the middle school parking lot. School officials made sure everyone stayed in their vehicle, or only got out to decorate the vehicle, not to socialize with other vehicle occupants. The seniors drove themselves, or in other cars around the city and people were encouraged to sit in their front yard and wave as they drove by. Some were very creative. I thought the boat was a fun was to do it. They blasted music as they drove. Some were in the back of trucks, or in convertibles. We decorated the Yukon and had David in the front seat.
We got to see some familiar faces as we drove. Allison and Michelle were excited that they didn't have to be buckled in.
I took a ton of short videos as we passed people that we knew, but I'm still having trouble including those, other than with just a link to YouTube. Would you even watch them if they were in a link rather than in the post?
After the parade we returned to the parking lot to take off the decorations so we wouldn't lose them on our way home. By then all school officials were gone, and social distancing went out the window. But it was hard to deny David access to his friends that he hadn't seen in almost 2 months. So they briefly took pictures, before saying goodbye again.
Steven B*, Kyle F*, Caitlyn B*, Naomi F*
David and Caitlyn, friends since 3rd grade!
Kyle and David friends, competitors, always vying for the top stop. Fitting that they were co-valedictorians.
It seemed just as we thought we were done, one more friend joined them, and we had to take another picture.
Steven, Kyle, Jessica M*, David, Caitlyn, Naomi
Cameron W*, Steven, Kyle, Jessica, Caitlyn, Naomi, David!
This certainly wasn't every one, but he got to see a few of his friends.
Afterward we drove home and surprised him with the ice cream cake.
Allison enjoyed the cake, and the black frosting made for a hilarious tongue picture. And yes, she wore the snow white costume pretty much all day, including during the parade.
David was blown away by the generosity of friends and family who sent cards, gifts, and money for his graduation. I have to say I wasn't expecting it either.
Considering everything he had to endure this year, his graduation day was the best it could possibly be.
