PENDLETON, N.Y. (WKBW) — Starpoint High School seniors thought the opportunity to graduate and walk across stage would never come. It took a lot of planning to create a social distancing style ceremony, but effort from the senior class and administration led to the creation of a week-long celebration almost more special than your typical graduation.
“The whole time I was pretty much hoping for the best because nobody knew what was going to happen. Especially in March, I didn't think we weren't coming back to school or anything,” said graduate Madison Bull.
“It was scary. I was very upset because I worked so hard for this. I just wanted some recognition like hey you did it,” said Riddhi Patel.
But graduation day finally came.
“I feel accomplished. It's kind of funny that we have to do all of this just to graduate,” said Patel.
“I remember looking at Lynn and saying 'Oh my gosh I have goosebumps thinking about it like how emotional, how intimate, like the parents are able to present the diplomas to the students,’” said Andrea Rodenhaus, a senior class adviser.
There was a parade, photo shoots, and it will all be made into a movie. Parents could even hand their son or daughter their diploma themselves.
“That's one of the best moments because it's never going to happen again. As a mom I'm sorry, I'm getting emotional. I'm very proud she finished one milestone of her life,” said Sonal Patel, a graduate’s mom.
They made graduation day even more special with one final “Walk to Remember” throughout the hallways.
“It's bittersweet. I can't say that I fully enjoyed every time walking through the hallways here but I'll definitely miss it. It's been home for the last 13 years,” Riley Nesbit, a graduating senior, said.
“This class is just one of a kind. I can't explain it. I think you can see it even now through what's happened,” said Rodenhaus.
