Parade celebrates Charleroi seniors

By TAYLOR BROWN 

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Charleroi Area seniors took over the streets of their communities Thursday for a proper sendoff before graduation. 

With some behind the wheels of flashy vintage cars, the seniors were escorted through their communities by local police and fire departments as they prepare for graduation. 

The senior parade was organized for the first time last year by Charleroi Councilwoman Jody Cheplic as a safe, socially distanced celebration amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was continued in 2021 at the request of parents who like the new tradition. 

Cheplic organized the event to make sure seniors felt special as they entered the next chapter of their lives. 

Although pandemic restrictions have lifted, she was asked to continue the event this year. 

Though seniors will have a traditional commencement, Cheplic said they deserve to feel extra special. 

Seniors lined up in the Chamber parking lot Thursday before driving through their home towns to have their friends, families and neighbors celebrate their achievement. 

Charleroi Area High School will graduate 103 seniors, who have persevered through a trying year. 

Cheplic said the turnout was strong, with more students teaming up for their rides.

“It was really great,” Cheplic said. “We didn’t have as many individual cars, but there were pickups full of seniors riding together. And everyone, where I was, was cheering them on.”

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