Drive-by celebration to honor Class of 2020

Athletic director calls for residents to drive by high school and honk beginning at 8:20 p.m.

Katie Teachout, The Journal | Last updated Apr 10, 2020 10:8am0

RITZVILLE — The high school community will honor graduating seniors and spring sports athletes with a 20-minute drive-by celebration beginning at 8:20 p.m. tonight, Friday, April 10.

The celebration is in honor of the Class of 2020 who have lost the last part of their high school careers and spring sports athletes who've lost their seasons due to Gov. Jay Inslee's coronavirus quarantine.

The school shutdown was initially ordered March 12 and then extended it to include the remainder of the year April 6.

"This is a drive-by on the streets around Jimmie Snider Field and not a gathering," Athletic Director Greg Whitmore said, noting the high school stadium lights will be turned on.

The local "Friday Night Lights" event is part of a national celebration for those graduating students and spring athletes, Whitmore said.

"Numerous schools across the nation will be turning on their football stadium lights to celebrate the senior Class of 2020 and the spring sports that have come to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. "The lights will stay on for 20 minutes."

Whitmore encouraged participants to remain in their vehicles and honk as they go past the school.

"I am looking forward to hearing the honks," Whitmore said.

Author Bio

Katie Teachout, Editor

Katie Teachout is the editor of The Ritzville Adams County Journal. Previously, she worked as a reporter at The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle, the Oroville Gazette-Tribune, Northern Kittitas County Tribune and the Methow Valley News. She is a graduate of Western Washington University.