Sean C. Morgan
While Sweet Home High School math teacher Steve Thorpe is busy organizing this year’s graduation celebration, others have already stepped up to help make sure this is a banner year for the Class of 2020.
Literally.
Last week, a Public Works crew stayed busy hanging banners depicting each Sweet Home High School student on Main Street power poles, where the city’s health committee displays veteran banners during the summer.
More than 160 photos now decorate Main Street.
“These are fantastic,” said Supt. Tom Yahraes. “It’s a wonderful tribute to the students that have worked so hard to achieve their goal of graduation.”
Sweet Home High School Principal Ralph Brown said Karyn Hartsook, a parent and the school’s head softball coach came to him with the plan.
“Anything honoring our kids sounded really great,” Brown said. “They looked really impressive. That was nice since school just kind of ended for seniors.”
“I contacted the school and worked with Mr. Brown and Mr. (Nate) Tyler, making sure it’s OK to do it,” Hartsook said. “My goal was to love these kids. I felt it was important for them to be showed off to everybody.”
Shannon Towry, who owns Esstees Photogtaphy, obtained photos from the school. She edited them and ordered the banners. Jennifer Leiniger and Heather Villines also helped complete the project.
“I just felt like they needed to be acknowledged,” said Towry, who does not have a child graduating this year. A lot of them at this point are probably wondering where to go next and what to do. “Just because it (the school year) was cut short doesn’t mean it’s over.”
She said the banner display represents a message to the seniors: “We’re proud of what you’ve done and excited about your future.”
“It’s a milestone for these kids,” Towry said. “We wanted to do it for the kids. If they’re not going to have graduation, we wanted to make sure they at least have something.”
Hartsook, who also does not have a graduate in this year’s class, said she wanted to especially thank the city’s Health Committee for use of the hardware to hang the banners.
“It’s been a collective effort,” Hartsook said, thanking the community, which donated more than $2,200 toward the project. Connie Swanson with Fastenal provided washers and zip ties.
Towry said she also worked with Jamie Eriksen of Country Financial and Shasta Krake of Krake Home Sales to make yard signs for each senior.
Towry said she is hoping they’ll have the signs this week.
The Senior Alcohol-Free Entertainment committee, which is still working on plans for the annual SAFE party or alternative at some point, also is selling support banners for $25. To purchase a banner, contact Towry at (509) 750-2263.