All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
Senior Connor Grant just prior to the start of the parade with his parents, Erika and Cameron.
The Herrera family cheers on graduates, including their son Joaquin, who is a member of the track and field team and will be attending Adams St. University next year.
A red jeep, overloaded with graduates, takes its spot in the parade
A group of excited seniors spend time with each other just in the high school parking lot, just prior to lining up for the parade.
The lead car in the parade included principal Eric Rauschlolb and his family riding with Misha Barrett.
Dark clouds cleared just in time for last Friday's car parade honoring 2021 Niwot High School Graduates. Starting at 7 p.m. a fire truck escorted the lead car with principal Eric Rauschkolb and more than thirty other decorated vehicles that made their way down Niwot Road and 2nd Avenue.
The parade was organized by volunteers who wanted to honor the students rather than by the school or the school's booster club. It kicked off at the Niwot High School parking lot, and an hour before start time, groups were excited as they put the finishing touches on their cars.
Senior Sally van Piper, who is attending Chapman University in Orange, California next fall, shared her thoughts before the parade started. "I'm excited," she said. "I liked that they started the tradition last year and am glad it's continuing. It's a positive thing, when this year hasn't always been easy."
Van Piper's mom, Kelly elaborated while she helped her daughter decorate the back window of their car. "This is one of the good things that has come out of Covid – but it's more than that. I really like how it brings excitement all throughout town."
Other parents had mixed emotions as they helped the seniors get ready. Erika Grant, mother of senior Connor Grant who'll be attending Georgia Tech next year, was sentimental. "He's our last. This celebration is bittersweet. All three boys graduated from this school. It's such a great school." Connor's father Cameron is also a Niwot High graduate, making school attendance a multi-generational family tradition.
As cars passed, it was hard to tell who was having more fun, the graduates or the parents who were driving. Some occupants were waving and dancing, others fought tears.
Community members throughout the route happily stood on curbs, cheering with pompoms and plastic clappers. The Herrera family in particular, whose son Joaquin Herrera was graduating and will attend Adams State University next fall, seemed hardly able to stand still. This was especially true for the younger members of the family who admitted they were excited about seeing all the cars and the kids.
This parade wasn't the only event of its kind that night. Throughout the school district, including Erie and Frederick Middle Schools, other parades were honoring this year's graduates. Photos of happy graduates and supportive communities flooded social media feeds, including ones in Niwot.
Once all of the cars had passed, attendees had a chance to reflect. "It was super fun," said resident Mary Claire Collins. "I had forgotten about it and we were just driving home, up the hill, when we saw it and I said, let's just get out and congratulate all the kids."
Cory Beauvineau, Meleah Spencer and Greg Spencer were among other supporters on the route. "We have seniors," Beauvineau said, smiling broadly. "And it was really fun. And we're glad they were able to do it this year. Really pleased."
Reader Comments(0)