Parade celebrates Arlington's Class of 2020

The Arlington community came out to celebrate and cheer on local graduates as they drove through Arlington on June 18.

The Arlington Grad Cruise was put together by local parents as a way to recognize this year's graduates of Arlington High School, Weston High School and homeschooled students.

The car parade traveled through the Gleneagle community, up 67th Avenue and eventually into the downtown Arlington area ending at Jensen Park.

COVID-19 had canceled or restricted the normal commencement events for seniors this year but locals still hoped to give graduates a sendoff in the form of a car parade.

"We were trying to find a fun way to celebrate the graduates, not just of Arlington High School, but Weston High School and those who were homeschooled," said Jennifer Egger, the parent of a graduating senior and one of the organizers.

She said other towns were doing graduation parade events and they thought they could bring one to Arlington.

"Having it be safe and appropriate for Phase 2 of the safe re-opening plan was important," she said.

The lack of a traditional graduation initially disappointed many in the community.

"At first I was really upset, but then I realized it was for the greater good," said Megan Barnett, a local graduating senior.

"I felt a lot better once I knew that we would be getting some kind of graduation and this parade really helped with that too," she said.

Barnett said students hoped for a graduation ceremony to cap off their final year.

"It felt like a poor way to end the school year and I know a lot of other people felt that way," she said.

Many said they understood the decision by the state which prevented a standard commencement ceremony.

"I conditioned myself early on to understand we wouldn't have a normal graduation," said graduating senior Keaton McBride.

Parents also felt bad for the graduating seniors.

"It was disappointing. My daughter Grace was not only graduating from Arlington High School, but also Everett Community College, so it was a double whammy," said Egger.

She said what they ended up with turned out to be pretty special for everyone.

"This was the most memorable situation really. It's very unique and my daughter said it will be a good story to tell," said Egger.

She added the school district still celebrated seniors even if restrictions prevented a standard graduation ceremony.

"We know their heart was with these seniors," said Egger.

Those who participated in the parade said they enjoyed the experience.

"I thought it was awesome," said Barnett.

"It was so much fun and it was really great seeing all the parents along the route," she said.

Parents and community members watched the parade from the sidewalks.

"I thought it was fun. I was thankful for everyone who came out to support us," said McBride.

"Pretty much the whole route there were people out on the sides of the road cheering for us," he said.

Egger said the community gave a lot of good feedback for the event.

"We're already hearing that there's plans to make this a yearly event," she said, although next year will likely have additional safety precautions and go along a slower route.

Barnett wanted to thank all those who came out and everyone who helped organize the event.

"I appreciate the moms of the community who helped put this together," she said.

Many seniors said they enjoyed the experience.

"After going through the parade yesterday I was glad how everything turned out. We still got to enjoy our graduation," said McBride.

Egger also wanted to thank the volunteers, the Oso Fire Department and local businesses like Hammond Bread Company that contributed to the event.