SOUTH WHITLEY – Whitko graduates were literally surrounded by family and friends as the first outdoor graduation ceremony was held for the class of 2020 Friday.
The hot evening’s commencement also maarked the first time the class members had gathered together since school closed Friday, March 13.
Moved from the traditional indoor arrangement in the gymnasium, the administration announced the outdoor ceremony on the football field earlier this year as a safer choice during the unprecidented COVID-19 pandemic.
Wearing the traditional red-for-girls, blue-for-boys cap and gowns, all the graduates also wore face masks to their seats, which were placed six feet apart. Each graduate could invite four people to the ceremony where they could view the event from either set of bleachers or opt to make themselves comfortable on the Ryan football field north of the graduating class.
Other family members and friends reved up their vehicles outside the fences, honked horns and blasted other noisemakers when their favorite Wildcat’s name was called.
The diplomas were placed on a pedistal by class sponsor John VanPatten’s gloved hands to avoid any direct contact as principal Jake Everett called the seniors’ names.
This year’s valedictorian was Katherine Marie Ousley and salutatorian was Audrey Elise Bradford.
Tassels were turned while the former high scchool students were seated and there was no celebratory tossing of caps following the 42 minute ceremony.
