A heartfelt tribute to GHS seniors

While many high school seniors are missing out on lasting memories of the waning school year due to the coronavirus pandemic, those at Grafton High School got to experience some memorable moments last week that culminated with a parade in the school’s parking lot last Friday. 

“We realize the Class of 2020 is not having the typical end-of-year senior experience, and we want them to know that our staff and the community of Grafton is thinking of them,” GHS Principal Scott Mantei said.

“We are extremely proud of our seniors and how they are handling the last three months of high school in the virtual setting.”

Senior Week kicked off with “Memory Monday” on April 27, when seniors and their families posted their favorite moments of their educational career on social media. On “Teamwork Tuesday,” students posted accomplishments with their classmates.

During “Way Back Wednesday,” seniors shared their baby photos along with a current picture of themselves. On “Trivia Thursday,” students met on Zoom to play an online trivia game, led by social studies teacher Zachary Gajewski, who quizzed students with questions based on the Class of 2020.

Throughout the week, Mantei and teachers visited seniors at their homes to drop off yard signs, which recognize them as graduating seniors.  

On Friday, May 1, a drive-by parade was held in the school parking lot, where seniors and their families did two laps while being cheered on by relatives, teachers and community members. 

Mantei said the parade was not intended to replace the graduation ceremony, the logistics of which are being determined. Mantei said the ceremony may need to be adapted to adhere to  social-distancing guidelines.