In a socially distanced outdoor ceremony, Indian Lake High School graduated 123 seniors in the Class of 2020 Sunday afternoon. Commencement took place in the ILHS student parking lot on a portable stage, with graduates and their families inside their vehicles listening to the ceremony over a short wave FM broadcast.
Principal Kyle Wagner opened graduation with heartfelt remarks. He said, "It is through times such as these that we can become a stronger community. Seniors, I am thankful for everything you have given up to help save the lives of those around us."
Class President Nathan Reichert thanked the administration, teaching staff and the Zoom app for helping keep students connected during the last quarter of school and for ensuring that class members were able to gather for graduation.
Reichert said,"While we completed online assignments we wondered, is our high school career really over? Honestly, I never would have appreciated graduation four months ago, as much I do right now. Whether it be online or even in the parking lot, we will always be remembered as the "covid class."
Principal Wagner followed up by announcing the top students.
The Valedictorians representing the ILHS Class of 2020 are Kaya Campbell, Ethan Fulkerson, Rylee Halterman, Allison Knapp, Matthew Risner and Alexis Stroud. The Salutatorian is Kaylee Shelton. Kassidy Crockett, Ethan Pequignot and Carter Klauer rounded out the top ten.
Students were permitted to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. Superintendent Rob Underwood and ILHS Assistant Principal Dave Coburn offered elbow bumps instead of the traditional hugs or handshakes. Parents were permitted to approach the stage for pictures. Included in the procession of more than 120 graduates were Jeremy and Sarah Dague, the parents of Abagail Dague, who passed away two years ago as the result of an auto accident.
Instead of applauding, those in the audience honked their horns as graduates received their diplomas and posed for photos.
Reichert returned to the stage at the end of the ceremony for the turning of the tassels and hat toss.
He ended his speech by saying, "At least we get to leave ILHS today the way we began it...together. As always, Go Lakers!"