Grads parade in caps and gowns

ODESSA — Last Wednesday was another celebration for the Odessa High School senior class, as the students rode various vehicles down First Avenue after visiting the medical campus and waving to the patients and residents. Social distancing was maintained, and some residents of the Quail Court Assisted Living facility even ventured outside to wave to the graduates and wish them well.

A video showing pictures of each of the grads during their parade is available on The Odessa Record’s Facebook page. OHS alum Bryce Luiten accompanies himself on guitar/harmonica and sings of song of his own composition during the video presentation highlighting the graduates.

This has been without a doubt the most drawn-out graduation in the history of the school, with the awarding of diplomas still a month away on July 18. The students had hoped that social distancing restrictions would be lifted by then to allow for a traditional walk down the aisle of the gym to listen to the speeches of the valedictorian and salutatorian, receive awards both athletic and academic and finally to receive their diplomas from the Odessa School Board and administration.

By all accounts, however, Stage 4 of the governor’s stay-safe reopening of the state from the Covid-19 lockdown will not likely be approved for any Washington county this summer or fall. Therefore, social distancing will still be a requirement in July. No gym filled to rafters with family, friends and other well-wishers and no large gatherings afterward at event locations or family homes.

So, of course, it is fitting that the summer is being filled with shorter, smaller festivities for this highly successful group of graduates.