Thank you for Class of 2020 support

A message from the HCHS administration

  • Sunshots by Michael Hall Maria Rangel talks with another graduate as her family helps her hang a banner from the back of a truck prior to the Parade of Graduates on May 23 in Hartwell.
    Sunshots by Michael Hall Maria Rangel talks with another graduate as her family helps her hang a banner from the back of a truck prior to the Parade of Graduates on May 23 in Hartwell.
  • Max Alfano, left, and Josh Klotz, right, show off their college shirts prior to the parade while prepping at Hart County High School.
    Max Alfano, left, and Josh Klotz, right, show off their college shirts prior to the parade while prepping at Hart County High School.
  • A group of graduates pose for photos taken by parents, family and friends prior to the parade leaving the parking lot of Hart County High School.
    A group of graduates pose for photos taken by parents, family and friends prior to the parade leaving the parking lot of Hart County High School.
  • Sunshot by Michael Hall Emma Ayers, a member of the HCHS Class of 2020, waves at her cousins as she passes them during the Parade of Graduates on Saturday, May 23.
    Sunshot by Michael Hall Emma Ayers, a member of the HCHS Class of 2020, waves at her cousins as she passes them during the Parade of Graduates on Saturday, May 23.
  • Graduate Mason Webb flashes a peace sign as his truck passes in the parade on May 23.
    Graduate Mason Webb flashes a peace sign as his truck passes in the parade on May 23.
  • Violet Ayers, left, 6, and Jasper Ayers, 4, right, hold signs in support of their cousin Emma Ayers on Saturday, May 23, during the Parade of Graduates in Hartwell. Sunshot by Michael Hall
    Violet Ayers, left, 6, and Jasper Ayers, 4, right, hold signs in support of their cousin Emma Ayers on Saturday, May 23, during the Parade of Graduates in Hartwell. Sunshot by Michael Hall
  • Graduate Demetrius Glenn rides atop a Mercedes in the parade down Campbell Drive.
    Graduate Demetrius Glenn rides atop a Mercedes in the parade down Campbell Drive.
  • Cheyenne Pettys waves from a pass Jeep during the Parade of Graduates.
    Cheyenne Pettys waves from a pass Jeep during the Parade of Graduates.
  • Caden Hart relaxes in a recliner in the back of a truck as the parade rolls down Campbell Drive on May 23.
    Caden Hart relaxes in a recliner in the back of a truck as the parade rolls down Campbell Drive on May 23.
  • Trinity Bowers hangs out of a Dodge Charger and waves to the crowd as the parade passes.
    Trinity Bowers hangs out of a Dodge Charger and waves to the crowd as the parade passes.

How do you begin to thank an entire community for its support for a group of deserving students?  

The Hart County High School administration cannot think of a way to say how appreciative we are to our city, county and state leaders for their quick action in helping us get the Class of 2020 Graduation Parade together.  The immediate response of Police Chief Anthony Davis and City Manager Jon Herschell to get the DOT permit was the catalyst we needed to move forward on this event. When Alan Powell heard that we were up against a stiff timeline, he jumped right in and made a few calls so that the Class of 2020 would get to celebrate on the very weekend that they would have walked across the stage.  Without these men, the celebration might not have been the awesome reality it was.

On parade day, the procession was led by Sheriff Mike Cleveland, a 1965 graduate of Hart County High School, followed by Davis, members of the Hartwell Fire Department and the Hart County Fire Department, setting the tone for the celebration to follow. We were amazed when we pulled out onto U.S. Highway 29 to see the community lining both sides of the road for the Class of 2020.

Many of you have posted on social media about how you feel for these deserving students and this past Saturday you showed it. We had a line of cars that stretched 1.5 miles from the school parking lot all the way to the Bells Shopping Center.  From the first car until the last, the community support was there. Our seniors felt honored by the people that love them and many who don’t even know them. To see so many family members and friends waving and cheering for every senior was simply humbling and exhilarating at the same time.

We, the administrative team of Hart County High School, would like to say THANK YOU!  It is an honor to be a part of a community that truly loves their kids.