Following a slew of end-of-year events turned virtual – from the senior breakfast to senior honors night – the administration of the MPCS high school created one final send-off for the Class of 2020. On the afternoon of Sunday, May 17, following social-distancing guidelines, seniors and their families decorated their cars with balloons, streamers, posters, and flags representing their college destinations, all to take part in the first-ever senior parade through the MPCS campus and The Overlook subdivision.
MPCS teachers and staff were stationed in cheering positions on the school parade route, and Overlook neighbors offered a warm welcome for the students as the cars processed. Head of High School Tawanna Rusk said she wanted to create the parade because “[the seniors] have lost many milestone moments, so creating something memorable is essential.” Her goal was to send-off the Class of 2020 with the biggest social-distancing celebration the school could create. “They truly felt [the staff’s] love, and their smiles were food for my soul!”
Of the parade, MPCS parent Syndi Kyle shared, “My senior, Delaney, was truly touched. The MPCS family is truly something special and has been such a gift to us since we moved here!”
Tina Cantwell, parent to three MPCS students, including senior Hannah, says the graduation parade “was another great testimony to [the faculty and staff’s] love for Christ, our students, and families. Hannah and our family were completely blown away.”
“I knew there would be tears, but they were sweet tears,” said MPCS parent Terry Matthaidess. “Tears from receiving such a kindness, tears for the end of a beautiful journey at this wonderful school, and tears for all that Cole [has become] from his 15 years here. Listening to the teachers and staff call out Cole’s name and cheer him on was incredible. I know this touched Cole deeply and will be a cherished memory.”
High school administration distributed a care package to each senior with the student’s diploma, Bible, cap and gown, yard sign, T-shirt, and yearbook. Commencement for the MPCS Class of 2020 has been rescheduled for July 11, 2020, at Turner AME Chapel.
