By Brandon HENSLEY

Across the country this spring, high schools have tried to find ways to recognize graduating seniors without the usual pomp and circumstance one would find at traditional ceremonies. Because of restrictive measures implemented due to COVID-19, the 2020 graduates of La Cañada High School experienced a virtual ceremony to recognize their accomplishments. But in driving around town recently, one could also see the creativity of their biggest cheerleaders in how the students were supported.

A parent-backed initiative led to banners being hung on light poles up and down Foothill Boulevard, each one showing a senior portrait of a student with their name below.

“The idea really was a grassroots one that started with several supportive parents sharing how they thought this could help not only support the students but unite the community,” said LCHS principal James Cartnal in an email.

He said the parents reached out to the governing board of La Cañada High School with an idea of how to recognize the students. Board President Joe Radabaugh loved it and went to the Superintendent of Schools Wendy Sinnette. From there it snowballed into an outside celebration for students who have been cooped up since March.

“I saw a similar idea being pursued on the East Coast. We agreed to raise the idea with our school and city leaders,” Radabaugh said over email. “They loved it and it became possible to pursue since the Memorial Day parade that normally leverages the poles for their celebratory purposes got moved to Labor Day.”

City officials were on board and then the idea was supported by the deputy director of Public Works Patrick DeChellis.

“Mr. DeChellis, in fact, even spent a morning walking Foothill Boulevard to identify the light poles on which student banners could be hung,” Cartnal said.

The banners were produced by LA Partyworks in South El Monte and Cartnal said an LCHS staff member designed them. Bronson Photography in Montrose brought a thumb drive of all the senior portraits to import the photos.

Cartnal said students and parents would be able to pick up the banners from school this week until Friday.

“It was an important element of the entire project to honor our graduates with this keepsake,” Cartnal said.

“Students, their families, and the community loved it. Once the banners started going [up], the reactions were amazing,” said Radabaugh.

  Brandon Hensley, robin goldsworthy