Portland Sun
PORTLAND WEATHER

Portland seniors honored in parade




Riley Graham joins in the 2020 Senior Parade driving a tractor. BONNIE FUSSELL

Riley Graham joins in the 2020 Senior Parade driving a tractor. BONNIE FUSSELL

May 16 was the scheduled date for Portland High School seniors to graduate, but plans changed with COVID-19. However, the Portland High School administration, teachers, and staff along with the community gave the 2020 seniors a memory they won’t forget – a parade through the city in their honor – unique for the Class of 2020. 

 

PHS Principal David Woods had lots of idea submitted suggesting ways that the class could be honored, but when staff member Leigh Ann Peterson suggested a parade, he liked the idea. Shortly after he learned that Pope John Paul II High School had a parade on the school campus to honor its seniors, he gave it more serious thought.

 

He spoke with Mayor Mike Callis and got his support and everything began to fall into place. Portland Police Chief Jason Williams got involved with the logistics of having a procession through town and blocking off streets. Portland Fire Chief Al West gave his support, as well as Portland Chamber of Commerce CEO Sherri Ferguson.

 

Assistant Principal Kim Meadows and Guidance Counselor Marti Guelde worked on a plan to get signs for each of the seniors’ yards. Next, Jostens came to the school to pass out caps and gowns curbside. 

 

Over 149 cars /trucks were in the parade and one tractor. Many of the cars and trucks were decorated with purple and white balloons. Each vehicle had the senior’s name or nickname displayed for those watching the parade. Many people lined up along the route waving and yelling as the seniors passed by. 

 

Woods said, “With so many things taken away from the Class of 2020, we were trying to find ways to make some memorable moments in time for them. We’re happy about how it turned out. We’ve heard nothing but positive things.”

The Class of 2020 missed the senior walks through the high school and elementary schools, awards night, the faculty talent show, and the annual senior breakfast, but most of all their scheduled graduation day. Graduation has been rescheduled for June 27 at Long Hollow Baptist; however, nothing can be cut in stone during this pandemic.

 

The prom is parent led and is not sponsored by the school. A prom committee has been formed, and they are planning a prom on June 13 at Spring Lake Farms in Portland.

Family and friends cheer on their graduates as the procession move by. Photos by BONNIE FUSSELL

Family and friends cheer on their graduates as the procession move by. Photos by BONNIE FUSSELL

Emily Rogers rides through the parade on a hot rod.  

Emily Rogers rides through the parade on a hot rod.  

Esteban Estrada holds the USA flag, as he stands in the back of a truck.

Esteban Estrada holds the USA flag, as he stands in the back of a truck.

Patrick Valiente by the new mural downtown after the 2020 Senior Parade.

Patrick Valiente by the new mural downtown after the 2020 Senior Parade.

Co-Valedictorian Addison Dorris waves to the crowd during the procession. 

Co-Valedictorian Addison Dorris waves to the crowd during the procession. 

Co-Valedictorian Zac Colovos rides down Broadway, waving to the crowd. SUBMITTED

Co-Valedictorian Zac Colovos rides down Broadway, waving to the crowd. SUBMITTED

Leave a Reply