Updated story.
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Dozens of 2020 Presque Isle High School students set to graduate over the weekend participated in a motorcade across the Star City on Thursday evening.
The vehicle procession was primarily organized by students’ parents with assistance from city officials, the Presque Isle Police and SAD 1. The intention was to provide something memorable to a class that had lost so much this semester, from in-person courses to numerous senior events.
The procession began on North Street before going up Griffin Street through the high school, where it was met by a large crowd of more than 80 people. Attendees included SAD 1 Superintendent Ben Greenlaw and Presque Isle High School Principal David Bartlett.
The route was publicized beforehand, with organizers encouraging residents to come out and support the graduating seniors — from their homes or the streets — while maintaining social distancing.
From the high school, the procession went to Allen Street, then Main Street, before eventually ending at North Street.
Most of the seniors stood up, waving to the crowd as they popped out of the sunroofs of cars driven by parents and friends. Many wore their caps and gowns. Some students wore everyday clothes while others dressed for the occasion.
Cars were decorated with balloons, signs and, in one case, an oversized graduation cap. Young family members and dogs joined several seniors as they waved to the crowd.
The event was deejayed by Judy Collins, who played various high-powered songs as the motorcade went through Presque Isle. The emotional rock ballad “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd blasted when the procession drove through the high school parking lot.
Renee Ellis — the parent of a 2020 graduate and one of the head organizers of the event — said it all began with a post she made in a Facebook group for parents of graduating seniors three weeks ago.
The post referenced processions happening for graduating seniors in other parts of the country. It was a process similar to that which occurred at Central Aroostook High School, where a school in Ohio inspired Tammy Giberson to put up banners of graduating seniors across town.
Parents quickly swung into action with the help of the city and school district. The motorcade was escorted by a Presque Isle Police cruiser, with Ellis saying the department was highly supportive of the idea.
Ellis said she could not have done it without many senior moms and others across the district, including Julie Goupille — who led efforts with the school system and city — Tim and Susan Willett who helped direct the procession lineup — and Pam Lowe who drove Collins as she maneuvered DJ equipment.
“I am proud of the seniors. I just can’t describe it without crying,” Ellis said. “The community support of the parents and the school district, everybody really pulled together to make this happen.”
