By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Westborough – June 6 would have been graduation day for Westborough High School’s (WHS) class of 2020. While plans are underway for a graduation ceremony this summer on the WHS athletic field, supportive community members gathered June 6 to congratulate the seniors with a pandemic-era vehicle parade through downtown.
Westborough Spirit Committee organized the parade with support from Westborough Public Schools and families of the class of 2020. Roberta Sylvester Brown organized the parade.
“I think the seniors definitely deserve it,” she said.
Pandemic restrictions also altered traditional pre-graduation activities.
May 29 was the seniors’ “last day of school.” The milestone date was observed at seniors’ homes with special deliveries of lawn signs emblazoned with a congratulatory message as well as gifts donated by local businesses and residents. Deliveries were made by WHS administrators and senior class officers Rhea Balasubramanian, president; Kristi Scamurra, vice president; Alexey Khotimsky, treasurer; and Samantha Stucchi, secretary.
On the evening of June 5, seniors and immediate family members were invited to take a one-way, physically-distanced stroll around the WHS track and baseball field. There, they viewed seniors’ posters and collages depicting school memories.
On the morning of June 6 prior to the noontime parade, seniors were driven by an adult family member in a procession on the WHS campus while teachers and staff waved “hello” and “goodbye.” With limited physical contact, graduating seniors were given items including their yearbooks, and caps and gowns.
Beginning from WHS’ back parking lot, town police motorcycles and a fire engine escorted the parade onto Ruggles Street to West Main Street and through downtown. Businesses decorated its storefronts for the occasion. Well-wishers cheered from the sidelines. Music was provided at the rotary by deejay Sarah Linkenhoker and sponsored by Realtor Gary Kelley.
The parade proceeded on East Main Street to Hastings Elementary School. Assisting along the parade route were members of Westborough Connects and Rotary Club of Westborough.
In an email sent to the seniors and their families, Principal Brian Callaghan noted that efforts are being made to determine a summer date for a graduation ceremony with safety protocols based on state and town health guidelines.
“The senior class has spoken clearly that they wish to receive their diplomas together when we can host a ceremony,” he stated.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
