FARMINGTON, W.Va. – Parents of North Marion High School seniors formed a reception line of cars draped with banners and signs of support while caps and gowns were handed out in a drive through at the school.
Parent, Erin Parker says the class of 2020 has faced challenges over much of their high school careers.
“They’ve only had one full year of school, their freshman year,”Parker said,”Their sophomore year they went through the teacher’s strike, their junior year they went through the teacher’s strike, and this year we’re dealing with the COVID.”
North Marion High School Principal Rusty Devito says the community has been huge source of support for the students and faculty.
“That’s one of the great things about North Marion and this area, they just pull together and help each other,” Devito said,”We all miss our kids, we really really do.”
Graduation is planned for May 22 and Devoti says there will be a ceremony of some kind.
“We are thinking of some ideas, maybe bring in so many kids at a time, maybe one at a time with two people,” Devito said,”With masks and gloves to make they’re kept safe and we’re safe.”
The seniors are glad to graduate, but miss saying goodbyes and a traditional ceremony. Kaylee Beckman is a senior planning to study elementary education at Fairmont State University.
“I think it’s crazy, but it’s what happens and we made the best out of it,” Beckman said.