Cascade High School finds way for 2020 seniors to graduate surrounded by friends

EVERETT, Wash. -- As high schools find ways to hold commencement ceremonies amid a pandemic, a national trend is giving some seniors in Snohomish County an opportunity to graduate surrounded by friends - sort of.

Cascade High School seniors were able to drive or ride to Everett Memorial Stadium Thursday, get out of the vehicle they came in and walk across a stage that was set up on the field.

And while they weren't standing side-by-side with their peers, thanks to a national trend called "Adopt a Senior," all 381 registered seniors at Cascade High School were represented with their photo on a sign lining the graduation route.

It was all possible thanks to family and community members. They came up with the $5,000 needed to make the signs.

Shannon Depew, mother of a Class of 2020 senior, says up until last week, they still expected to have a virtual graduation, and she is happy her daughter gets to graduate with her friends watching, in a sense.

While it may not have looked like the graduation ceremony they had hoped for, seniors we talked to say they are honored that they figured out a way to celebrate their achievements.