Graduate parade
The crowd congratulates the Class of 2020 as their car parade passes the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont, on Friday evening. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
High school graduation was always going to be different this year. In Woodstock, Vermont, it sure was, but even with that difference, celebration and joy took the lead roles when all was said and done.
On Friday, Woodstock’s high school seniors got their diplomas, driving up to the high school and walking the stage one by one. And then — the community got a parade.
In decked-out vehicles, Woodstock’s Class of 2020 paraded through the downtown as relatives and friends eagerly cheered them on from the Village Green.
It was the latest example of something hugely important which had to change because of the pandemic. No one knew what to expect, but in the end it was a festive time, and the graduating class enjoyed the moment. The crowd greeted them with colorful, congratulatory signs as graduates waved, smiled and shared a few light moments as they saw familiar faces along the route.
For 2020 graduate Harrison Morse, it was still a special evening even though it didn’t have the traditional public ceremony at Woodstock Union High School.
“My expectations were kind of low, having to be six feet apart and everything, but in the end it was great. A special twist on it.”
There were more than just cars in Woodstock’s graduate parade on Friday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Morse liked the direct connection with the crowd.
“Having a parade was really cool,” he said. “Usually you’re just sitting, but everyone could cheer for you individually as you drove by, and people could make signs.”
At a time when many community events are cancelled or postponed, the parade was refreshing in a way for many people. Pomfret resident Becky Fielder was there with her daughter, Molly, 9, who enthusiastically held up a sign congratulating the WUHS grads from Pomfret.
“We have a lot of friends with kids who are graduating, so in lieu of being able to have parties, here we are,” she said. “It’s nice to have something to look forward to.”
Burlington-based trio Pete’s Posse provided musical entertainment on the Green during the parade, organized by Pentangle Arts. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
All evening, it seemed people were reconnecting with friends they hadn’t seen in weeks amid the pandemic. That sentiment was no doubt felt by graduates, too, as their community embraced them with love and appreciation on Friday evening and their school careers came to a close.
The parade went by faster than a traditional ceremony, but the event still had a certain weight to it. Everyone was there to recognize and celebrate a special time in these young people’s lives, a unique culmination of years of accomplishment, leading into new chapters. In that spirit, the community connected with them, and the graduates shared their happiness and joy. It was a time of uplifting togetherness with a positive, common purpose, and that’s what community is all about.
Congratulations, Class of 2020!
— Gareth Henderson
