The coronavirus pandemic has shut down businesses and schools across the state, and most recently, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that school campuses would remain closed for the remainder of the academic year. This news hit some students hard, but especially seniors, who were looking forward to one of the most exciting milestones in their lives.
As social distancing has become the new norm, people have come up with new and creative ways to celebrate. One of the most popular is with drive-by parades, which have been held for birthdays, bridal showers, and other important events.
Teachers at Eunice High School decided to put a twist on the parade as seniors stopped by campus to pick up their caps and gowns on Wednesday. Staff member Randy Aguillard said it was a way for the teachers to encourage and show their support for the students in this difficult time.
Teachers lined the parking lot with colorful, encouraging signs as students drove past.
And don't worry - Aguillard said everyone maintained proper social distance.
Seniors are the focus of the Louisiana Department of Education's plan moving forward. Acting Louisiana Superintendent of Education Beth Scioneaux joined Gov. Edwards for his press conference Wednesday and explained that the state is supporting school districts through these tough decisions. She said the state will focus on seniors and their needs as they leave school and head into the world.
Gov. Edwards promised seniors across Louisiana that their time of celebration will come, even if it may not look like the traditional ceremony with Pomp and Circumstance.
"And to our soon-to-be graduates: I do not have the words to tell you how proud I am of you for your accomplishments, especially under such hard and unconventional circumstances," said Edwards. "We will properly celebrate you in time, when it is safe. We will all get through this together and we will come back stronger than we were before."
You can watch the video from Eunice High below, courtesy of Randy Aguillard and Eunice High School:
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