Colors, klaxons, and creativity replaced the usual pomp and circumstance at this year’s celebration of the Dartmouth High School Class of 2020 as the graduating seniors rolled out in the first-ever graduation day parade.

Each student decorated their vehicle of choice in streamers and balloons of green and white, with messages scrawled on some and photos, banners, and signs on others. 

Some even wore costumes, like Ewan Oliveira, who dressed up as Maui from the Disney film Moana.

Students decked out in green robes perched in convertibles or Jeeps, others waved out of sunroofs and windows, and one even rode on a motorcycle in a procession accompanied by Dartmouth police cruisers and fire trucks sounding sirens on full blast.

“We wanted to try to make the end of the year as special as possible and still to make it safe as well,” said Dartmouth High Principal Ross Thibault, who added that the Dartmouth Police were “fantastic” in helping plan the parade.

“People within the community just rallied together,” he said, adding with a smile, “Mother nature finally cooperated too, because the weather is beautiful this morning.” 

“It’s kind of weird, because it doesn’t feel like I graduated, not going to the last few months of high school and doing all the senior things,” said graduate Sarah Gioiosa. “But it feels really good to know that the administration has put so much effort into giving us something special.”

“It’s a really special experience,” she added. “At first I was really upset, but now that it’s actually happening, I feel really good about our graduation.”

“Despite what we’re dealing with, I can still feel a lot of excitement in the air,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bonny Gifford before the parade. 

“We’re just really happy for the kids,” she added. “[The pandemic is] one of life’s challenges that nobody expected, but we come out on the other side more resilient and stronger than ever.”

“I think it’s awesome that they’re doing this,” said Holly McGreavy, who was sitting with family outside the DYAA fields to celebrate graduating senior and Class Treasurer Hannah Bruce. 

“It's a great way to celebrate under the circumstances,” agreed proud mother Sandra Bruce.

Some families were disappointed that the kids weren’t allowed to sit in the back of trailers for the occasion, like Ethan Moniz’s family. 

“They can sit on a convertible, but they can’t be inside a trailer up to their boobs?” asked mom Tanya. 

But most were happy with the celebrations.

“I think this is a great idea having the parade, whether there’s a pandemic or not,” said mom Rosemary Hazzard, who was celebrating her niece, Class President Braely Neto.

“It’s fun, because it brings out the community spirit. Class of 2020 has to start a new tradition,” she laughed. “Part of their legacy!”

Some paradegoers, like the Polochick family, came out just to support the community rather than one particular student. “We’re just happy to help celebrate all the seniors,” they said.

And everyone seemed to enjoy the festivities.

“I wish we did that for my graduation,” said McGreavy with a grin after the event.

As Manuel Neto, Class President Braely’s grandfather, said as he folded up his camp chair at the side of Slocum Road, “I’ll never forget this one.”