More than 400 graduate from Perk Valley high school
» While it was certainly far from traditional, the drive-through graduation organized to celebrate Perkiomen Valley High School’s Class of 2020 was definitely memorable and offered a number of unique touches for the 444 seniors who have missed out on some of the milestones of their final year of high school.
Over a two-day period between June 3 and 4, Perkiomen Valley High School seniors and their families drove through campus for one last time as students. Along their route to the graduation stage, they stopped to take photographs at two “stations” set up along the path, and were greeted by teachers and staff members who cheered them on.
When they pulled up to the high school, students exited their vehicles to collect a diploma cover and then waited for their name to be announced. As they walked on stage, they were able to have their picture taken by a professional photographer and anyone who was in their vehicles.
Following pictures on the stage, graduates walked over to have another professional picture taken with the Viking statue, before departing campus and seeing banners with their photos and names
on them. The second day of graduation also featured a flyover by a plane carrying a banner wishing the seniors luck – the flyover was paid for through donations made by high school faculty and staff.
The event was a festive and unique way to celebrate graduation while still upholding social distancing requirements. Vehicles were decked out in orange balloons, streamers, and Viking helmets, and friends and family brought cowbells and airhorns and honked car horns to make noise to cheer on their graduates.
In addition to these celebrations, the Class of 2020 was honored via a video presentation on the district’s YouTube channel. This virtual presentation included speeches from students Leanna Strohecker, President of the National Honor Society; John Durrell, Class Valedictorian; and Evan Reiser, Senior Class President. Superintendent Dr. Barbara Russell, Principal Dr. Cyndi Moss, and School Board President Judy Lofton also addressed the graduates.
Here are some other interesting facts about this year’s senior class:
· 199 are graduating with GPAs over 4.0.
· They have received over $4.6 million in scholarships
· They have completed over 17,000 hours of community service/career exploration
· 88 percent participated in activities
· 92 percent are furthering their education
· 5 percent are entering the workforce
· 6 will be entering the military
Perkiomen Valley High School is located at 509 Gravel Pike in Collegeville.