Coronavirus
‘We love you.’ Bus parade honors Manatee students and staff after a challenging year
Wendell Butler, the principal of Bayshore High School, adjusted a banner outside the school on Thursday, the last day for students.
“Congratulations to Our Bayshore Graduates, Class of 2020,” the sign read.
Some students rotated through a car loop to pick up their caps and gowns, while others posed near a wall of balloons for their senior photo. They would have crossed the graduation stage nearly two weeks ago, if it weren’t for COVID-19, but the school had its ceremony delayed by more than two months.
Thursday was devoid of the quiet test-taking and reflection that usually marks a final school day. Butler hustled to keep the drive-thru moving, as a parade of school buses made its way toward the campus.
“The last day is always emotional for anyone,” the principal said. “Today, teachers would have been able to say goodbye to kids. Now they type that in an email or they do a video.”
The pandemic forced students to finish their year online, but it was important to stay connected and celebrate victories, Butler said. His opportunity came just before 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, when sirens blared in the distance.
More than a dozen school buses approached Bayshore High, led by a deputy’s cruiser and a fire truck. District employees smiled and cheered from the bus windows, clapping and holding celebratory signs.
“We love you,” a woman yelled from her seat on the bus brigade.
The signs encouraged students and school employees to “have a great summer” and to “honk for the Class of 2020.” Jennifer Bowen, the mother of a graduating senior, stood by her car and returned the love.
Her son, Mykah, would soon complete a 14-day quarantine before he could start training with the U.S. Navy, and her family was putting its summer activities on hold. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges, but the end-of-year celebration continued.
“It’s different, but you still have to participate and show your support,” she said.
Thursday’s event — “This is How We Roll Manatee Strong Parade” — included a 55-mile route with stops throughout the county. Organized by the school district, it was supported by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue.
Residents waved from their cars and motorcycles on 13th Avenue West in Bradenton, as the buses passed G.D. Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School. One teacher, equipped with a laptop and a webcam, brought her class to the parade.
“I loved it,” said Pat Stream, the school principal. “It made me cry again. It’s just good to know the school system is united and behind each other.”
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