Waitsburg honors Class of 2020 with parades, banners and more

As high school graduation approaches, Waitsburg's Main Street is getting prepped for a dash of color and a few smiling faces. While the details for a socially-distanced graduation are still being ironed out, the community has been looking for ways to honor the Class of 2020.

Last month Senior Advisor, Matthew Wyatt, turned to Facebook to ask the community's help to raise funds for Main Street banners celebrating the seniors. In true Waitsburg fashion, the community rallied together to raise nearly $2,000 in just a few days.

The fourteen Cardinal Red banners will be displayed on Main Street in lieu of the Waitsburg Celebration Days banners typically displayed in the spring. Each banner will feature two seniors, one on each side.

Wyatt reached out to the senior students and their parents for photos. Some students were unable to get their senior pictures taken before the 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' order so Wyatt arranged a free mini-shoot for kids in need. Once all the photos were gathered, Wyatt turned the information over to The Times publisher, Lane Gwinn. Gwinn designed the banners, embracing the classic WHS colors, before sending them off to DiJulio Displays in Walla Walla, where they are being printed.

Currently, Waitsburg School District is working on finalizing a graduation ceremony that complies with all social distance recommendations and gathering restrictions, and prioritizes public health. The ceremony will immediately follow a Class of 2020 Parade through Waitsburg.

The banners are expected to take about two weeks before they are ready to be hung, but Wyatt is hopeful they will be up in time for graduation.