Vehicle procession honors South Fayette Township graduates
Penny Kichta, who will be attending South Fayette Township Middle School in the fall, displays a greeting for a graduate.
Kasey Smith apparently will be cheering for the West Virginia University Mountaineers.
Kelly Wilhelm congratulates the South Fayette Township High School graduating class, which includes son Collin.
Abbie Duncan waves to well-wishers.
Lexi Palmer shows support for her graduating cousins, Sean Becker and Payton Long.
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Peyton Yater waves as the vehicle in which she is riding enters the Topgolf parking lot.
Gwen Rodi, president of the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners, has a special seat for the proceedings.
Rachel Smith is among the 2020 graduates.
Stacy Hurt, left, and Sarah Emanuel get ready to greet the graduates when they enter the Topgolf parking lot.
Haley Zatolochenko has a smile for the crowd.
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Congratulating a graduating friend are, from left, Danielle Moffa, Madison Smith and Victoria Moffa.
Sydnee Mozick waves to the crowd.
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Well-wishers greet the parade vehicles as they enter the Topgolf lot.
The South Fayette Township High School Class of 2020 received a special sendoff with the help of local public safety officials.
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Harry Funk/The Almanac
Ryan Carter is headed to the home of the Crimson Hawks, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
“Due to the abnormal circumstances this year, we are willing to help the seniors say their good-byes in a safe, orderly vehicle procession,” township police Chief John Phoennik said prior to the June 1 event, which featured vehicles from his department along with the South Fayette (Cuddy) and Oak Ridge volunteer fire departments.
The procession featured a drive through the school campus, where teachers and school staff cheered for the students. The vehicles then proceeded to the parking lot of Topgolf, with family members and friends of the graduates invited to gather there to show support.
Because of COVID-19, students throughout Pennsylvania were not permitted in their schools after March 13, meaning many of the events seniors usually enjoy couldn’t occur.
As it stands, commencement for the Class of 2020 is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 16, safety considerations permitting. All seniors will have an opportunity between June 15- 26 to have a professional photo taken to commemorate the occasion.
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Fire vehicles, some of the vintage sort, accompany the seniors on the parade route.