Gallery drive honors Class of 2020

WAITSBURG-High school graduations are looking a little different this year, and Waitsburg High School's ceremony is no exception. A gallery drive through town followed by a drive through 'ceremony' is scheduled for May 29, starting at 6 p.m.

The Class of 2020 Gallery Drive will begin at Preston Park, with the students as passengers, lined up in alphabetical order, following a pilot car. Each vehicle will have one student in cap and gown. Twenty-two cars will make their way down Main Street, snaking through Waitsburg. The staff at Waitsburg High School is asking community members along the route to wave and cheer for the students from front lawns and driveways while practicing social distancing.

The Gallery Drive route stretches from Arnold Lane to West 10th Street, but the 'festivities' don't end there. Following the Gallery Drive, students will drive on to the football field from the baseball field gates on East 10th Street and drive around the football field, on the track. Vehicles will stop at the northern end zone area, and the student will exit the car and walk to a stage where they will receive their diploma. After the student receives their diploma, they will return to their car and exit the field. A pilot car will lead the ceremony to help ensure direction and distancing.

Cars must continue moving while the student accepts their diploma. The school district is asking the drivers to keep lots of space in between the vehicles. The preferred distance is roughly a block away from the vehicle they are following. The district is asking that no one gathers at the football field during the ceremony.