MATTAWA — It might not have been the way students of the Wahluke High School Class of 2020 thought they would graduate, but they went out in style Friday night. Graduation started with a parade through town and ended back at the high school, where seniors were allowed out of vehicles long enough to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.

“It’s different, you know?” said senior Juan Acevedo. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the state closed schools for more than two months and forced changes to many events, graduation included.

His classmate Alejandro Ramirez agreed that it was unusual. “It’s been a tough experience. Very different from other years,” he said.

Senior Kyle Kirkendall said it definitely was a strange feeling. “It’s all right, but not what I would expect,” Kirkendall said.

Senior Angelica Morfin said the last three months of school had been pretty unusual.

“It’s not exactly what I expected, but at least we got something, right?” Morfin said.

The parade was escorted by firetrucks and police vehicles, and the sound of car horns and sirens was audible for blocks.

Families were encouraged to decorate their vehicles, and they did. Cars and trucks were festooned with balloons, pictures, congratulatory messages and encouraging words. Some seniors made posters, thanking their parents and families. One student in the Class of 2020 wrote the names of everyone in the class on the tailgate of her family’s truck.

Seniors picked up their diplomas on a stage set up in front of the high school, with WHS teachers lined up alongside and applauding them — and sometimes giving a hug or high five — as they left.

For more photos from Wahluke High School's graduation, visit the photo gallery here.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.