Community Organizes Graduation Parade For Plainfield Seniors

PLAINFIELD, IL — Students all over the country are having to forego graduation to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but, inspired by social media videos of the many community-organized parades, a few Plainfield South High School parents decided to honor their own graduates.

Starting at Charles Reed Elementary School on Saturday, 180 cars were in attendance at the parade, as community members gathered to celebrate a momentous occasion in the lives of the seniors.

"I joined a Facebook group for Plainfield South senior moms and another mom had posted about organizing a parade. So we joined forced and got the ball rolling," said Monica Thornton. "All the moms on that group played a part in making this parade a success."

The seniors met and lined up at the elementary school with their cars decorated for the event, they then proceeded south on Clublands Parkway, where some neighbors stood on the sidewalk to cheer them on. Once they arrived at their school campus, they were greeted and cheered by parents who were lined up all along the parade route. During this time, radio station Star 96.7’s Brooke Hunter, dedicated an hour of popular music used for graduation while giving a few shout outs to the seniors as well.

"We were very happy to do this for them. They missed out on all the senior events that usually occur at the end of the school year, especially graduation. We thought what a great way to come together and celebrate our seniors," Thornton said. "They were so excited and the turnout was fantastic, to see the smile on those kids' and parents' faces was just so heartwarming. It was such a moving experience for all in attendance. I think all us moms still cry when we see the videos on Facebook."

She said the community should band together during these times.

"I think it is important that we work together as a community and do what we can for each other and our kids by celebrating the milestones, achievements, and hard work that deserve to be acknowledged," she said. "We came together for a common goal, to provide a positive memory for the Seniors to last them."

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