'Embrace the suck:' On would-be graduation day, Elyria graduates celebrate (VIDEO)

ELYRIA — Instead of rows of graduates lining the field of Ely Stadium, Elyria Schools seniors stood by their cars, waving to a parade of people. May 27 was originally intended to be the district's graduation ceremony, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of a traditional commencement, Elyria Schools filmed students walking across the stage and will compile it together to air on its YouTube page. But as the district planned other ways to celebrate the seniors, some parents got together to plan a honk and wave parade in the Lorain County Community College parking lot. "It's been hard but nice," senior Jahmil Reed said. "We're getting all this other stuff. It's sad we won't get prom or anything." "You just have to embrace the suck," senior Jaden Robles said. Seniors, many of them in their red cap and gowns and regalia, lined up cars in rows outside LCCC. Family members, friends and community members drove down the row, honking horns and waving to the 2020 graduating class. "It's been rough, but we have a great community that I'm very grateful for," senior Hannah Schramm said. "They helped us make the best of it." Some familiar faces were in the crowd, including staff members at the high school, Principal Tim Brown and Superintendent Ann Schloss. "Honestly, I feel like we're further apart, but closer together," said senior Perticia James. "We've all been keeping in touch extra. It's kind of a blessing and a curse." Cars kept cycling through, some going through more than once. Participating seniors in the parade expressed appreciation for what the district and the school have done to make it special. "I was kind of bummed out that it was the last year of high school, last year to see some of my friends," senior Jacob Lubert said. "Then, since this pandemic started, I got even more bummed because we won't have a graduation ceremony or prom. But then the whole community started getting together with these parades, so I'm really appreciative of it." "It's different, but it's OK," senior Shayla Jones said. "Because it's for a reason. I mean, it sucks that we had to miss this year, but circumstances are different, so..." Contact Laina Yost at (440) 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com.