From studying history to making it: Tusky Valley Class of 2020 honored
Tusky Valley senior Taylor Ammons participated in a parade to celebrate graduation.
On Thursday, May 21 graduating seniors from Tusky Valley were honored with what may turn out to be the only graduation parade in history.
“They’re actually making history,” said Vicki Pirolozzi of Mineral City, whose son Justin graduated this year. “This is so unique, and it’s something probably no other graduating class will ever get to do.”
The parade, which began at 1 p.m. at Bolivar Intermediate School, wound through Bolivar, Wilkshire Hills, Mineral City, New Cumberland and Somerdale with seniors riding in cars driven by their parents. Horns honked loudly as kids poked their heads out of sun roofs and family and friends lined the streets to shout their congratulations.
“I honestly think it’s better than just normal graduation,” said graduate Audrey Ernst, daughter of April and Adam Ernst of Bolivar. “We would never have gotten a parade or an amazing video like the one the school put together under normal circumstances, so I think this is really special and unique — something we’ll remember for a long time.”
Lisa Keim, mother of graduate Corey Keim, said, “It’s way different than my other one (that) graduated five years ago, but it’s fun.”
Some parents and graduates had a harder time finding the silver lining in the clouds left behind by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Graduating senior Trinity Geltz said she was a little disappointed. “I would have liked to have an actual ceremony, but I guess we’re doing the best we can with everything going on,” she said.
Geltz’s mom, Amanda, said, “You send them off to kindergarten, and you look forward to the ceremony at the end, and they didn’t get that,” she said.
Others felt similarly. “It’s the biggest event in their lives so far, and it’s sad they had to miss it,” said Jenn Ammons, aunt of Taylor Ammons.
Jenn Ammons’ sister, Heather Jones, agreed. “They didn’t get prom. They didn’t even get a last day with their friends or a senior trip. We got all of that,” she said.
The prom king who had no prom
Tucker Pruett was voted the 2020 prom king but didn’t get to reign over the dance with his queen, Marisa Barbera. Pruett said he also missed running track, but he was happy to have more free time attending school online.
“It’s sure an unexpected way to end your senior year,” said Pruett’s mother, Danielle.
Pruett’s dad, Ryan, remarked on what he thought was special about the way things turned out. “The school brought the students on stage one at a time and turned on cameras to record it,” he said. “The superintendent, principal and guidance counselors made comments about each student. I think it was more personal than a regular graduation ceremony.”
Going with the flow
Superintendent Mark Murphy said he is proud of this year’s seniors for their ability to adapt and remain positive.
“They’ve experienced a great deal of adversity and strangeness in their final year of high school, yet they have risen to the challenge,” Murphy said. “I believe they are fully prepared to take their next steps for a successful and meaningful life. I’m also deeply appreciative of our entire Tusky Valley team for taking extraordinary measures to ensure that the TVHS Class of 2020 is properly recognized and honored.”
In addition to the parade, the school district created a commemorative video of the virtual ceremony for the Class of 2020, which can be viewed at www.tvtrojans.org. In it, Murphy addressed the seniors, acknowledging the virtual ceremony was no substitute for the excitement of a traditional graduation ceremony in front of family and friends.
“Your graduation, however, will be forever commemorated,” Murphy said. “Class of 2020, you have proven your ability to adapt, improvise and overcome. The future is yours.”