CHINA SPRING, Texas — Cars paraded through the streets of China Spring today, honking their horns and celebrating the 2020 senior class.
China Spring canceled its classes for the remainder of the school year back in March due to COVID-19.
This meant seniors were not able to take part in traditional senior activities like prom and "senior skip day."
"When everything was being stripped, we were like, we need to do something to make them feel special, to let them know they are important and that we want them to celebrate. We want them to smile," parade organizer Jennifer Vera said.
This season of life has been a challenge for those seniors, who saw their high school careers cut short by the virus.
They say the hardest part has been being separated from their friends for so long.
"Honestly, it means a lot, because this situation has been hard for us," China Spring senior Emily Jenkins said. "Just to see the community come together, especially my teachers, because I missed them a whole lot and I didn't get to say that goodbye after spring break, it means a lot to see that they are all supporting us during this time."
People decorated their cars with signs and balloons to celebrate the 2020 graduating class.
They say it is important to recognize their achievements, even if it is from a distance.
"We need to let them know that that hard work, those several years that led up to this moment is not forgotten and corona can't take that away from us," Vera said.
Seniors say the parade also offered a sense of closure.
"Just to give us those final moments that we didn't get to have that most seniors do is wonderful," China Spring senior Keelan White said.
Both White and Jenkins plan to attend Texas A&M this fall.
Classes at China Spring officially end May 28.
School leaders have not announced plans for graduation.
