Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Senior caravan takes place of final walk
Seniors and their families travel from the elementary to secondary campus under police and fire escort.
History was made earlier this month as Avon Grove High School organized a senior caravan to symbolize the final walk of the class of 2020. Seniors and their families traveled together, in their own vehicles, from Avon Grove School District’s elementary campus to its secondary campus, under police and fire escort.
Students had an opportunity to see their teachers and administrators one last time before heading off to begin the next phase of their journey.
At the 82nd annual commencement, 431 seniors participated in a virtual graduation.
Scott DeShong, Avon Grove High School principal, said he was proud of how students fared during the final months of school as they participated in distance learning.
“While the traditional way of recognizing graduates has been taken away around the world, the Avon Grove community used this time as a call to action,” DeShong said. “This community has met this time of challenge and controversy head-on and after witnessing what I have over the last several weeks, it is safe to say that the entire Avon Grove community cares deeply for its kids. Great communities grow and develop great kids.”
School officials honored and recognized each of its graduating seniors in a class of 2020 graduation video that included a personalized “walking the stage” ceremony in their caps and gowns.
Said Rachel Donten, class salutatorian: “Avon Grove is a unique school. We wouldn’t be who we are today without attending Avon Grove. I wouldn’t want to go to school anywhere else. Only at Avon Grove.”
During the weeks leading up to the event, each senior came to the high school to record their part of the video while adhering to the recommended health and safety guidelines. The video also featured speeches from the high school administrators and students, recognition of seniors entering the military, the traditional changing of the guard for class officers and musical accompaniments.
At the virtual graduation ceremony, students walking across the stage in their caps and gowns.
The class of 2020 graduation video is available for viewing on the AGSD website by visiting: https:// www.avongrove.org/agtv/ commencement.
Avon Grove School District is planning to hold an in-person graduation ceremony at the Avon Grove High School stadium July 27, provided that Chester County is classified as being in the green phase by July 21.
“This community has met this time of challenge and controversy head-on and after witnessing what I have over the last several weeks, it is safe to say that the entire Avon Grove community cares deeply for its kids. Great communities grow and develop great kids.” — Scott DeShong, Avon Grove High School principal