By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The Bowling Green High School “Corona Class of 2020” graduated in their own style Sunday.
After losing the last months of their senior year to COVID-19 shutdowns, the graduating class celebrated in an unconventional manner.
They traded in the normal pomp, circumstance and formality of commencement for car horns, cowbells, and folding chairs in the back of pickups.
For BGHS Principal Jeff Dever, who has presided over years of graduation ceremonies, Sunday’s graduation parade was surreal and chaotic – but good.
“The kids certainly deserve a pat on the back,” for making it through this bizarre year, he said.
And for many of the students, the abnormal graduation ceremony from the social distancing of their cars was just fine.
“This is great,” said Sawyer Rader, who was sitting in the back of a pickup wearing his bright red cap and gown.
“This is better than a regular graduation,” said his older brother Spencer Rader, who graduated two years earlier.
For the senior class who lost many of the traditions of their final year, the parade day was perfect – without a cloud in the sky as they rode from the high school, west on Poe Road, south on Haskins Road, east on Wooster Street, north on Main Street, and circling back to school on Poe.
The parade was led by a police escort, and wrapped up with fire trucks. Students waved from sunroofs, convertibles, pickups, and motorcycles.
And as the graduates rode through the community, residents lined the sidewalks – holding signs of support, and clanging cowbells for the students who went through a senior year like none other.
They missed their senior prom, spring musical, and sports season. But they weren’t denied a graduation – with the community lining up to show their support.
“I really like it,” said graduate Bailey England, as she sat on the flatbed of a commercial one-ton truck – dressed for the occasion in her cap, gown and high heels.
“It makes us feel recognized,” England, who plans to major in sports medicine at University of Toledo, said after the bizarre end to their senior year. “It was disappointing, but this makes us feel good.”
Her mom, Kelli England, agreed the parade was a great way to honor the graduates.
“I actually like it,” she said, pointing out an added benefit. “We don’t have to listen to a big speech.”
Nicholas Foster was all decked out in the back of a Jeep.
“It’s interesting,” he said of the commencement parade. “But it’s kind of fun.”
And it was a typical end for a very atypical year.
“It was kind of disappointing not to be around friends,” Foster said of the end to his senior year. “But it’s always exciting to go on to the next thing.”
For Foster, the next thing is majoring in business administration at Bowling Green State University. He is hoping for in-person classes this fall.
Jackson Daniels, who plans to get a job in carpentry now that he has graduated, also approved of the non-traditional commencement ceremony.
“It’s pretty interesting,” he said from the backseat of the car driven by his grandma, Sharon Daniels.
Ricky Loe Jr., who plans to go into welding and robotics, shared those sentiments.
“It’s unique,” he said of the unusual send-off – par for the course for the last half of his senior year.
“I’m glad it’s over,” Loe said.
Along Poe Road, Kayla Long and Justin Harman held posters congratulating their friend Jazmine Collignon.
“I think they found a really fun way to celebrate and get the community together,” Long said.
On West Wooster Street, George and Anne Bullerjahn waved and shouted their well wishes to passing students.
“We just wanted to be supportive,” George Bullerjahn said. “It’s a big day. We’re making the best of it.”
“Maybe this is something they should continue,” even after the pandemic, Anne Bullerjahn said.
Nearby, Scott and Karen Seeliger cheered on students in passing cars.
“This is so exciting,” Karen Seeliger said. “We have to cheer them on.”
“What a feel-good thing,” Scott Seeliger said.
A virtual ceremony was also held for the 227 graduates, with student speakers, board members, school choir performances, and photos of seniors. After the parade, diplomas were presented to the graduates who completed a most unusual year.
