advertisement

District 57 celebrates students with clapouts, virtual graduation

District 57 students could not gather together for their usual year-end traditions, but their principals and staff still found special ways to celebrate and send off the first-, fifth- and eighth-graders.

On June 3, Westbrook School for Young Learners held a clapout - a drive-by parade - for its first-graders who are moving on to the elementary schools. Fairview and Lions Park schools also held clapouts for their fifth-graders that day.

Staff members lined the perimeter of the buildings while cars of families and students drove by to wave and say thank you and farewell. Teachers held signs, and many families decorated their cars.

Lincoln Middle School held a Drive By to Say Goodbye event June 8. Students were encouraged to wear their graduation gowns, decorate their cars and drive a route past the school while their teachers cheered them on. The school then sent them a link to the virtual graduation ceremony that families were asked to watch together at 7 p.m.

The ceremony featured speeches by students who were selected by their peers, as well as principal Paul Suminski, school board President Eileen Kowalczyk and Dr. Elaine Aumiller, superintendent.

Students were recognized for their achievements over eight years and their resiliency throughout the past few months.

Fairview School held a clapout for fifth-graders. Staff members lined the building while cars of students drove by to wave. Courtesy of District 57
Lions Park Elementary School teachers wave goodbye to their fifth-grade students during the school's clapout on June 3. Courtesy of District 57
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.