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06/17/2020 12:00 AMMembers of the Class of 2020 came back to North Branford High School (NBHS) to be celebrated with a vehicle parade on June 11, following a modified diploma-conferring event that took place for individual graduates outside at NBHS on June 4 and 5. In addition, NBHS also videotaped a virtual graduation ceremony with speeches, awards, and recognitions.
Under clearing skies on June 11, NBHS Principal Todd Stoeffler was joined by his administrative staff, teachers, Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker, and Board of Education Chair Shawn Papa Holzer in greeting each decorated vehicle at the head of the parade.
Students in decorated vehicles entered from the Route 80 entrance and wound past a giant American flag hoisted and displayed by North Branford Fire Department, on their way to the head of the parade beneath the school’s the pedestrian bridge hung with congratulatory banner. Every senior was given a commemorative T-shirt as part of the celebration.
Teachers set up with posters, balloons and more along the campus sidewalk of the parade route cheer on their students, who waved, shouted greetings and bopped along to music blasting from the DJ tent.
Stoeffler said he believed the NBHS Class of 2020 and their families appreciated the celebratory spirit of the June 11 event as well as the efforts being undertaken to deliver a memorable graduation experience, including a keepsake video for all of the seniors.
“I think it went over great,” said Stoeffler, watching as kids delighted in driving up to see NBHS counselor Malik White and Vice Principal Greg Gwudz at the T-shirt table, while also receiving a personal welcome from Papa Holzer and Schoonmaker.
“I think they’re happy with some of the live events, and some of the things that we’re putting together on a digital platform that is going to capture these events and some of the things that happened throughout the year, and that’s going to be a keepsake they can have forever,” said Stoeffler. “All in all, I think we did a nice job celebrating the Class of 2020, and I think the parents would agree with that.”
Schoonmaker noted he also hopes to hold an informal NBHS Class of 2020 outdoor get-together, a bit later this summer, should COVID-19 restrictions lift enough to allow it.