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The Randolph Henry High School Class of 2020 may not be having a traditional graduation ceremony. Still, a group of parents is planning to give seniors a one-of-a-kind opportunity to remember their senior year.

A procession parade for RHHS graduates will be held Saturday, May 23, beginning at 11 a.m. at the high school.

 

 

Class of 2020 seniors are invited to decorate their vehicles and line up at the school for a parade that will travel throughout the county ending in Keysville.

Only the driver and the senior will be allowed on school property.

According to Wendy Rapole, her daughter Alyssa who is a senior at RHHS, was disappointed about missing out on gradation and other senor activities since schools have been closed due to COVID-19.

So, the idea of a parade was born.

The seniors need some type of closure,” Rapole said. “They have missed out on so much due to the pandemic. It would be nice to show them that the community understands, and they celebrate their accomplishments with them.”

According to Rapole, vehicles will leave the high school and make a right on Highway 47 to Drakes Branch, then proceed to Highway 59, making a left on Eureka School Road and then a right on Highway 40 ending in the Town of Keysville.

Citizens are encouraged to make signs and decorate the parade route to show their love and support for the graduates.

“Citizens will be able to cheer seniors on from anywhere along the parade route,” said Holly Skelton, who is helping with the parade organization.

It’s important that we follow social distancing, and if you plan on watching the parade that social distancing is maintained,” Rapole added. “Please limit your groups to family members only in groups of less than 10 and maintain six feet between other families watching.

Rapole said it is strongly encouraged to watch the parade from vehicles when possible.

“When I heard that our parents were coming together to organize a parade for our seniors, I was extremely grateful,” Erin Davis, the new RHHS principal said.  “A parade to honor our students brings hope, enthusiasm, and excitement, all of which are in high demand right now. The class of 2020 is a group of wonderful students who are surrounded by an amazing school community. The organization of this parade is evidence of that strong support system. While this spring hasn’t been what any of us imagined, I hope our students look back on this time and know that people loved them and tried to honor their graduation from high school as best they could.”