Graduation Parades Have Become A Lasting Tradition
This post originally written by WJBR Digital Production Intern, Nicole Mills. Mills is a senior English student at the University of Delaware from Wilmington, DE.
Plenty of change has arisen over the last year due to Covid-19. Much of these changes have been met with disdain and dislike such as virtual schooling and limited indoor dining. Covid has also opened the door for new traditions to be made, including zoom happy hours, virtual movie nights and graduation parades.
Graduation parades started in the Brandywine School District last year when the graduates were still unsure if they would get an actual ceremony. The drive-by parade was brought back this year, even though the 2021 graduates would be getting a more traditional ceremony with four guests each, instead of 2020’s two guest rule.
On Saturday, June 5th, the class of 2021 from Mount Pleasant, Brandywine and Concord High Schools all gathered at their separate meeting spots to start the fire truck led parade to their respective high schools. Seniors decked their cars out in balloons, banners, and signs as they hung out of windows or sunroofs in their caps and gowns.
At 12 pm, Brandywine High School seniors started at Lombardy Elementary School and made the drive down Foulk Road to their destination at Brandywine. At 2 pm, Mount Pleasant seniors took Brandywine Boulevard from Mount Pleasant Elementary to the high school. Finally, at 4 pm Concord High School seniors paraded down Shipley Road, starting at Springer Middle School, and ending at Concord.
Graduates basked in the cheers and celebrations of the crowds gathered on either side of these busy roads. Families, friends, and neighbors alike came out to congratulate the students on the success of a very unprecedented school year.
A tradition this special is hopefully one that outlives COVID and one that the community can continue to participate in for years to come.
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