The drive-through is open: Placer High School honors senior class in a very different way

An E-Z Up protected Mike Sabins from an already-blazing sun Wednesday morning as he kept tabs on a table packed with caps and gowns for Placer High School's class of 2020. The school's activities director and several other men and women ushered the graduating seniors not across a stage to hand out diplomas but through a parking lot across from LeFebvre Stadium. One by one, cars with a senior and sometimes a parent were cheered by small crowds of more teachers and school employees, each waving a sign, as they drove up Agard Street toward the stadium. The students checked in Chromebooks at the entrance to the lot and crept by two long lines of E-Z Ups, picking up a cap and gown and swag bags arranged by the Grad Night Committee. Others picked up an award. "So far, so good," Sabins said, just before Logan Groth pulled up. "How long ago did you order it?" Sabins asked, referring to his cap and gown. "A while," Groth answered. And so it went. The event was really no different than an average day at your local supermarket: There were rushes and lulls. The graduates seemed happy, considering the last three months of what is considered to be the best four years of a teenager's life were snatched away in a blink, and the adults were energetic and organized, all good signs for a first-time event. "It's unlike anything we've ever encountered," said Melany Hall, chairperson for the Grad Night Committee. "It's kinda crazy, just how different everything is," senior Lori Hernandez said from the passenger seat of a car while turning in her Chromebook. "Hopefully, everything opens back up soon." The swag bags included gift cards from Mr. Pickle's, Old Town Pizza and Dutch Bros, and a portable battery charger. A virtual raffle and drawing were held for prizes picked by the seniors, including TVs, paddle boards, kayaks, laptops and coolers. The Grad Night Committee also made the yard signs. Hall saluted the "team of moms, community members and businesses for their generous donations," adding, "It was important to find a way to honor these kids." Groth, who's headed for the University of Nevada Reno to study civil engineering, was appreciative. "This is nice," he said. "At least they did something to bring everyone out. They did the most they could."