June 24, 2021

GRADE 8 GRADS FROM BEECHGROVE, GPS HAVE RIDE TO REMEMBER TONIGHT

GRAVENHURST — School’s virtually out — but not before a class reunion.

Grade 8 grads at Muskoka Beechgrove and Gravenhurst Public got a chance to gather tonight for the first time in months — in person.

And to celebrate a transitional year like no other.

One they will remember forever.

A parade of honking cars and trucks — many festooned with balloons and congratulatory signs from chauffering moms and dads — drove through town from Beechgrove, up the main street, past GPS and down Bay Street to the Muskoka Wharf for the happy occasion of an outdoor graduation celebration organized by parents.

A chance to mingle, catch up and giggle with fast friends and classmates as they prepare for one last summer as kids and soon-to-be high schoolers in two months.

Their laughter and good humour was infectious and put smiles on the faces of their many parents, family and friends — a few of whom wore masks.

It wasn’t the official graduation ceremony — that comes tomorrow.

It was more like a spring prom.

And while Doug Ford said they could — and the school board said they couldn’t — the fun atmosphere will make the official act of receiving a diploma a bit of a footnote to their biggest year yet. Almost anti-climactic — as big an accomplishment as that still is for most.

This unsanctioned event will still go down in memory as a ride to remember.

A nice way to end the year and elementary school.