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

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

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.

One for all and all for one: the class of 2021 celebrated a year to remember tonight at the Muskoka Wharf.
Evan Readman’s family was sure happy to see him to graduate.
An this mom, too, was thrilled to be chauffering her graduating daughter in back.
Woo hoo! Look who’s graduating this year.
Jace Chambers was at the head of the parade looking out of this cool sun roof.
Hidden behind those balloons is a grad with a big smile.
This grad was happy to wave to all the people lining the route.
Cierra Craig, left, Keegan Coffin and Evelyn Terry-Kriban jump for joy at graduating.
It was like a spring prom for friends Evan Readman and Pria Thrift who gave the celebration the thumbs up.
Shannon Chambers gives her son Jace a big hug as she looks up to the new grad.
The ‘Grad Day’ night was unwittingly set against the backdrop of the residential school memorial at the Wharf.

Bay Street was a traffic jam tonight with Grade 8 grads riding in style as they headed to the Muskoka Wharf to celebrate.

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