Hillsborough Parents Host In-Person Graduation Parade

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A group of Hillsborough parents are going above and beyond to make their student's graduation day a little more special by hosting an in-person walk-through in their neighborhood on Monday.

"As a senior, we missed out on so much as a graduating class. There was no prom, no spirit night, no spring sports, no clubs, no graduation ceremony. But most of all, not being able to spend the time with friends. Even though this is not how we expected our senior year to be, this is great to see everyone coming together to celebrate us. I wish the class of 2020 the best in the future," said Hillsborough High School senior Kylie Glinsky.

The lifelong friends and graduates walked in cap and gown on Royce Brook Road through their neighborhood with people coming out to cheer them on.

The parade occurred before Hillsborough High School's pre-recorded virtual graduation ceremony aired on Monday.

Ann Glinsky, mother of Kylie, put together the in-person parade to give the neighborhood kids something special to remember.

"We live in small development by [Pinnacle Health And Fitness] and the kids have known each others since toddler years. All of the moms are friends as well. I was trying to think of something different to do," Glinsky said.

Glinsky came up with the parade to offer an in-person personal experience. She began handing out fliers to the neighbors to encourage them to come out of their homes and cheer on the students as they walk by.

There were five students participating including Kylie, Jasmine Khosla, Alyssa Witcoski, Brendan O'Kane, and Jake Sommers.

"Seeing a small part of our community come together to honor us seniors truly warms my heart. Despite the unexpected twists and turns this year has taken, our neighborhood doing a parade to celebrate the class of 2020 is a small token of appreciation that means so much to each one of us. I would love to see more neighborhoods plan this!" said Khosla.

The students began at Pinnacle Health And Fitness and made their way down Royce Brook Road, made a right on Harvest Drive and a right on Garretson Lane to create a loop past all of their homes.

"High school was a great time, it didn’t end how everyone wanted Since the school's graduation is only virtual, we wanted to put something together for the neighborhood so we can all have something in person," said O'Kane.

"It is really sad that graduation got cancelled, but I'm happy I still get to celebrate with my childhood friends," said Witcoski.

Mayor Doug Tomson who lives in the neighborhood was also slated to come out to say a few words to the graduates.

Following the parent's private parade and the virtual graduation, Hillsborough High School officials are asking community members to celebrate the class of 2020 at 8:20 p.m. by making noise and flashing lights.

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