By Dylan SYLVESTER

As the people of the Crescenta Valley know, it wouldn’t be graduation day without over 90 degree weather and, without fail, this year’s Crescenta Valley High School graduation date of June 10 had a high of 92.

Due to social distancing, however, all other aspects of graduation for the Class of 2020 was anything but traditional. Many families were not going to let the milestone event pass without celebration, though.

La Crescenta local Debbie Meyer’s son Charlie was part of the Crescenta Valley High School Class of 2020. With the help of other CVHS parents who had graduating students, Meyer invited friends and neighbors to her home to watch as about 15 students in cap and gown had their names and accolades read, then received their diplomas.

“All these kids worked so hard and I wanted them to have that culmination of graduating with their friends,” said Meyer.

Friends and families sat in the street at a distance from each other as students walked down the Meyer driveway, waving to the crowd. CVHS teacher John Pehar was a guest speaker.

“They’re all my kids,” said Pehar explaining that he had taught all of them, either in their academic classes, student government or in cheerleading.

The students and parents were happy to have Pehar present as he was a teacher who had a special role in the students’ CVHS experience.

Among the graduating students was Jocelyn Grande, who was ASB president for the 2019-20 school year. She said that although it was a shame that a traditional graduation couldn’t be held for the CVHS senior students, it was nice to experience a ceremony with her close friends in a space that was much more personal.

Although current mandates dictate people stay physically apart, they have also given an opportunity for people to come together in very unique ways.

Community members such as Meyer and the other friends and family members who planned the driveway graduation, reminded everyone that tradition doesn’t have to be forgotten in 2020, just adjusted. And, despite strange circumstances, new memories were made for those living through this pandemic.

  DYLAN SYLVESTER