Seniors Cross the Finish Line at Saint Viator High School
Drive-by parades are all the rage these days, but the one that took place last week at Saint Viator High School packed an emotional punch.
The parade took the place of the annual Senior Celebration, the traditional kick-off to graduation festivities. Instead of gathering inside the school for a host of activities and giveaways, students drove around the school campus, passing through different stations to pick up their spoils.
“What our students want — and what we want — is to be able to be able to be together, but unfortunately under the current circumstances that is not possible,” says Mrs. Anne Marie Lowery, student activities director. “(The senior celebration parade) gave us a way to have them back on campus and to show them that they are not forgotten.”
The atmosphere was like crossing the finish line of a race, with music blaring and the names of each senior — and their college choice — announced over the public address system by Mr. Bill Hayes, who typically announces home softball and soccer games.
Approximately 70 faculty, staff, and administration members were on hand to greet them, cheering and waving to each senior, as they manned positions at different stations.
Seniors were encouraged to have a parent drive the car, while they sat behind them in the back seat, the better to collect their parting gifts.
At their first stop, they picked up a box lunch from Joe’s Pizza in Schaumburg, owned by the family of senior Anthony Tazouti.
Next, they were greeted by Ms. Deb Scerbicke, Dean of Students, who presented them with the Senior Celebration t-shirt, which they would have worn to the original event, scheduled for that same day.
A third stop was the senior swag station, where students received a yard sign donated by the Athletic Boosters, pull string bags, blankets, lion flags, luggage tags, and the coveted senior edition of the Viator Voice, the student newspaper.
At their final stop, seniors picked up their senior awards, which would have been given out at Senior Night in April, as well as their caps and gowns.
“For me, the saddest part was that the seniors didn’t have a last time to make a joke with a teacher or eat at a certain lunch table or a last rehearsal or practice,” Mrs. Lowery added. “All of those winding down lasts where they get to say their goodbyes, show their pride and hope to make a lasting impression at Saint Viator have been taken from them."
“This was a chance for us to give them a positive end of the year memory at Saint Viator,” she added. “and to tell each one of them that they are important and the Class of 2020 will never be forgotten.”
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.