GREENFIELD — Jackie Beaver looked down at the sign with her son’s face on it and smiled.
Her son Dennis Beaver’s sign was among the nearly 300 that were staked in the ground in Riley Park on Monday, honoring Greenfield-Central High School’s graduating class.
Each bore the name and face of a smiling senior.
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The students were originally scheduled to graduate on June 6, but school officials delayed the event to July 11 — moving the ceremony to the football field outdoors, and limiting admission to two guests per graduate.
If all goes according to plan, the summer commencement will be the final step in a tumultuous year for the Class of 2020.
After missing milestones like prom and the entire last quarter of school with their friends, Jackie Beaver thought the eye-catching display at the park was a perfect way to commemorate a class that had been denied much of the pomp and circumstance that traditionally accompanies senior year.
“I think it’s the greatest thing ever,” she said of the signs, which wind along both sides of the road that runs through Riley Park.
To see the youngest of her five children honored in this way nearly brought tears to her eyes as she looked out over the display on Tuesday.
“My other four kids all graduated from Greenfield, and it tore my heart out to think my youngest wasn’t going to get to go through commencement,” said Beaver.
She’s thankful the ceremony has been rescheduled, so he can celebrate his graduation before heading to Ball State University in the fall.
“As a parent I just really appreciate this public display for the seniors,” she said. “It gives the kids the acknowledgement they deserve.”
The sign display was initiated by Greenfield mayor Chuck Fewell, who wanted to honor the students who were graduating in unprecedented circumstances.
“This has been a very tough year. It’s been tough on everybody, so we wanted to do something to honor them. We wanted the seniors to know that the city cares about them and celebrates them,” said Fewell.
Greenfield’s associate planner Jenna Wertman, who interacts with local students through the Mayor’s Youth Council, spearheaded the effort, collaborating with the school system and a Greenfield sign company.
“Signarama designed and printed all the senior signs, which saved us a ton of work. They were really enthusiastic about the project and were a great community partner for this,” she said.
Kelli Edon, who owns Signarama, said she was honored and happy to help.
“I thought it was a great idea. The seniors have been through so much this year. It’s really neat to be able to go to the park and see that celebration of their accomplishments,” she said.
Dr. Harold Olin, superintendent of the Greenfield-Central Schools, said he was grateful to all involved for making the memorable display possible.
“I am grateful to Mayor Fewell for supporting our students in this difficult time. This community has been terrific in finding ways to embrace our seniors,” he said. “It is appreciated more than we can convey in words.”
Even those who aren’t students or parents were enjoying the display in the park this week. Brad and Angela Gilgrist were on a stroll through Riley Park on Tuesday when they happened upon the signs.
“I think it’s really great,” said Brad Gilgrist, who recognized a few of the kids. “It’s definitely something the seniors will never forget.”
