Congratulations Class of 2020!
The COVID-19 pandemic has robbed students of their senior-year events and traditional graduation celebrations, but their teachers, principals and staff have thrown their hearts into preparing graduation ceremonies that will never be forgotten.
Stayton High School
“It might not look like the traditional ceremony, but I have no doubt you will be honored the way that you should be,” said Alisha Oliver, North Santiam School District board member, in a recent video to Stayton High School students.
“Our hearts really do go out to you and your family,” Oliver said. “We understand what this year means, the culmination of all the events leading up to your senior year. And we know that you’ve missed out on many of the traditions and celebrations, the times with your coaches, your friends and your teachers, walking the halls of Stayton High before you left on spring break, not realizing you weren’t coming back.”
Principal Susanne Stefani told students and parents that the SHS administration and the district office had closely considered guidelines released by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority as well as connecting extensively with high schools in surrounding districts.
“We have heard from seniors and their parents alike,” she said in a letter that was distributed.
“After weighing various options, along with the values of the North Santiam School District, we know this: we will put on a thoughtful commencement ceremony worthy of our graduates and their supporters.”
Following social distancing guidelines, that ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at the Sublimity Harvest Festival grounds. Graduation will be a drive-up experience for families and guests, while seniors walk across a stage. Two vehicles per graduate will be allowed at the ceremony.
“We appreciate Sublimity Harvest Festival for generously donation use of their grounds,” said Stefani, who walked the space, saying, “I am confident we can create a memorable, meaningful and fun event there. While the pandemic has wiped out so much of life and of our routines and traditions, it will not rob us of this joyous event.”
Stayton High has 145 graduating seniors, including Derek Berning, valedictorian, and Carlin Croff, salutatorian.
Regis High School
Earning diplomas at Regis High School are 23 graduates, including Matthew Nusom, valedictorian, and Jakob Silbernagel and Kelly Lejeune, salutatorians.
The ceremony for students and their immediate families will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 at Regis High School. Business teacher Mike Bauer said a drive-through experience may take place followed by students walking through the halls as a final good-bye.
“Given the circumstances, it’s so hard to plan anything, but we are hoping we can make the day exciting and as happy as possible for our seniors,” Principal Candi Hedrick said. “The Class of 2020 has been an exceptional group of students! They’ve revitalized school spirit while simultaneously honoring school traditions and creating new ones.
“Although their senior year didn’t end as most senior years do, they are leaving behind a legacy of pure joy, fun and resilience,” she added. “They are so loved, and we know they are destined to do good for the greater good, just as they have done here at Regis these past four years.”
Cascade High School
Cascade High School has planned a “very different” graduation on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 for 163 graduating seniors.
“We will have a very different graduation happening,” said Holly Banks, registrar. “Students will sign up for 5-minute slots to come across the stage with no more than 20 friends and family present. Saturday evening, starting at 4 p.m., we will have a parade through Turner and Aumsville that will culminate at the high school for a drive-by celebration!”
The parade will be kept at one car per family, with staging at 3:30 p.m. after Saturday’s graduation, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the high school.
Cascade valedictorians are: Cooper Haskell, Brenna Moore, Rebecca Pynch, Gabrielle Chen, Kandee Xiong, Sarah Adams and Francisco Hernandez. Katelynn Schmidt is the salutatorian.
“We always knew that the Cascade High School senior class of 2020 was amazing,” said Matt Thatcher, principal. “However, as I have watched them overcome adversity and challenges in the last few months, I am even more convinced of how special they truly are.”
Santiam Jr./Sr. High School
Graduation logistics are still in progress for Santiam Jr./Sr. High School seniors as staff navigates the latest health guidelines and restrictions, according to Todd Miller, superintendent of the Santiam Canyon School District.
Principal Angela Rasmussen said graduation has been tentatively set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13.
38 seniors will receive diplomas, including valedictorians Cassandra Klagge, Hunter Reeser, Colin Thurston and Jillian Urban. Salutatorian is Tzeitel McCormick.
“The graduating Class of 2020 will always hold a special and memorable place in my heart,” Miller said. “All Santiam graduations are special, but this one will forever be memorable! Even from a distance, we are proud of their accomplishment and care greatly for them and their success.”
Rasmussen called the Class of 2020 one that has passion, creativity, talent and perseverance.
“I am also beyond impressed with how unified this class is,” she said. “They really set the bar when it comes to inclusion and cohesiveness. I am beyond thrilled for each of them and I know that they will all go on to do great things as productive members of society.”
