Class of 2020 honored with Charleroi parade

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Graduating Charleroi Area students were honored for their accomplishments Friday with a parade.

Between 75 and 100 seniors attended the event, which was organized by Jody Cheplic of Charleroi.

In districts throughout the Mon Valley, school administrators have brainstormed ways to make sure seniors are recognized despite the global coronavirus pandemic.

Cheplic said she wanted to make sure Charleroi seniors had something special.

They were surprised with a parade last month by administrators on campus as they picked up their caps and gowns.

Cheplic, who has been involved in Relay for Life for two decades, said Class of 2020 members were always eager to participate.

“I know a lot of our kids from Relay for Life, and after speaking to high school Principal Patti Mason and Charleroi Borough Council President Mark Alterici, I moved ahead with planning,” Cheplic said. “I called Charleroi Regional Police Chief Chad Zelinsky and fire department President Glenn Shipley to ask them to be involved, too.”

After hearing parents had a similar idea, she contacted school photographer and senior parent Jenn Codeluppi to form a plan.

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Saturday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.