For seniors, graduation is 'extremely unique'

Allowing the coronavirus pandemic to dampen the spirits of graduation of Plains High School was not a factor, according to Principal Kevin Meredith, part of the official graduation party Sunday. 

"We did not consider not having graduation," said Meredith, the principal since 2015 and a 1999 Plains High School graduate. He said they talked about holding the graduation on a different date, but after surveying the parents and students, they overwhelmingly decided they wanted to stick with the May 24 graduation.

Some of this year's students were worried that they wouldn't get a graduation ceremony at all because of the social distancing guidelines, but senior Jeremiah Allen said the school superintendent told them they would definitely have some sort of ceremony. The result was an outside commemoration in the school parking lot.

Sunday's graduation was definitely the strangest one in his 16 years as part of the school board, said Johnny Holland, who presented the diplomas Sunday. "Now that it's done I think it's one of the neatest ones we've done. I think they'll remember this over one in the gym," he added.

The official party, which included Meredith, Holland, Superintendent Thom Chisholm, and guest speaker Todd Brouillette, whose son, Treydon Brouillette, was one of the graduates, were situated on a raised makeshift stage. The students waited at their vehicles, which faced the parents' vehicles facing the stage. The 28 students - 13 girls and 15 boys - were put in small groups in front of the platform and then called up one by one. They received their diploma, moved their tassel from one side to the other, then posed for their parents to take pictures before leaving the podium. Some shook hands or hugged Chisholm and the others before descending the stage. Vehicle horns sounded off to give students and speakers alike a special applause throughout the ceremony.

"Our class is extremely unique. We came into this world with the turmoil from 9/11. It is slightly ironic that our last stepping-stone to leaving our childhood behind is during the coronavirus pandemic. Though these events were unpredictable and unwanted, people always find a way to shine through them," said salutatorian Audrey Brown, who shared the stage with valedictorian Kylee Altmiller, who also mentioned the pandemic and told the crowd, "We have also learned that perseverance is a necessary factor to thrive. I have without a doubt the belief that my class will be successful in whatever they pursue."

The school noted that 46% of the graduating class plans to attend post secondary schools, including two - Andrew Harmon and Gage Fuhrman - who will be serving in the Army. Nine of the students received 42 scholarships amounting to $176,482. Brown received the highest amount at $89,000, followed by Esvin Reyes-Melendez with $32,000 and Altmiller getting $29,300.

Chisholm said he didn't think they ever had a graduation outside, but he added that he was pleased with the turnout and appreciated the teachers and staff, who volunteered to put the graduation together. "I think everyone was of the same thought that it was important to find a way to recognize the graduates and their parents. This is the culminating event in education and doing nothing was never an option," said Meredith. "I think this is something they're going to remember - how could they not?"

Plains School closed on March 16 due to the pandemic. Meredith said the students had the choice of doing their schoolwork via the Internet or getting packages from their teachers. He said the majority of the seniors did their distance learning via the Internet. "As with implementation of anything new, there were some growing pains and flexibility was required by both parties," said Meredith, who added that by the fourth week, the students and teachers found their rhythm. "The teaching staff has done an excellent job of being available for students and innovative in continuing to educate our students," he said. The principal said that one of the biggest challenges was the need to quickly become acquainted with the Google classroom platform and adjusting to delivering instruction using alternative methods.

"This has been a challenging time for everyone, teachers, students, and parents. The families of our students have been exceptional in working with the school. Parents have shouldered the load of teacher/tutor for basically an entire quarter of the school year and we are so thankful for their flexibility, understanding, and hard work during this time," said Meredith, who noted that he hopes things will go back to normal for the Aug. 24 return.