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LACEY – Senior year is possibly one of the most defining school years, so the local school district wanted to do a little something nice for them while they are stuck inside.
A parade of school staff and first responders visited all 266 members of Lacey Township High School’s Class of 2020 in one twelve-hour day.
They left a sign on their front yards stating “We Are Proud of You Class of 2020.” They also gave “senior survival kits,” Principal Gregory Brandis said.
A decorated school bus, and vehicles from the police, fire department and first aid squads were part of the Class of 2020 Celebration Tour, and school district administration and Board of Education members rode along.
The gift bag, signs, and t-shirts were made possible by a “generous donation from Wawa, the LTHS Boosters, and the LTHS PTSA,” Brandis said. “Also, Debi’s Signs did a fantastic job of creating the lawn signs and T-shirts.”
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A letter sent home to families beforehand let them know that this was coming.
“We are encouraging our seniors to come out to be seen, showing their Lacey Pride, and more importantly, to be celebrated when you see us coming,” he wrote.
Brandis pointed out that even though all these people will be parading through town, they will be socially distancing from each other, and will be wearing masks and gloves.
“We cannot come together or approach each other; however, we cannot wait to see you! In addition, if any other students or Lacey School Community members see the procession of vehicles, please wave and/or show signs of support for our 2020 seniors,” he said.
Families were urged to take pictures and share them on social media, one of the only places people can see each other anymore.
Superintendent Vanessa Clark said the feedback from students and parents has been amazing. She shared one message:
“Hi, on behalf of my family and my daughter. THANK YOU very very much for the senior celebration!!!!! My daughter was so excited all day (as were we) about it. These past few weeks have been tough being a senior and that is just what my daughter and all her classmates needed. It was an awesome event that we will never forget!!!! Please pass this message on to all the board members. You all made a beautiful and fun memory for the class of 2020! Stay well.”
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This was not to replace important events like prom or graduation, but to boost spirits because those things are still up in the air.
Clark had written to families: “We continue to hope we can return to our school buildings before the end of the school year. We also continue to plan for the possibility that we might not. There are so many activities and events that students look forward to whether as a culmination of the school year or school career. We are especially focused on our high school seniors and on milestone events such as prom, scholarship night, awards night, and graduation.”
Gov. Phil Murphy said that all schools are closed until May 15, and only then will state officials consider re-opening them.
“We want to celebrate them and let them know we’re thinking of them. We know the milestones are tough, but we’re going to make this special,” Clark said during an interview on Fox 29 Philadelphia, while they filmed the parade.