CAR PARADES TO CELEBRATE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES IN CORVALLIS
Our community has experienced many significant changes in the past several months, some of which affect the way we experience personal milestones. Although traditional graduation ceremonies are not possible for graduating high school seniors this year, the Corvallis Police Department is pleased to announce it is supporting the Corvallis School District in facilitating car parades in Corvallis for high school graduates.
The collaboration started several weeks ago with a student and family survey that overwhelmingly supported a car parade as a way to mark this milestone for Corvallis graduates in a way that is mindful of current health protocols. Graduating seniors have received information from their respective schools about the parade process.
The graduation car parades will be held as follows:
College Hill High School parade, Thursday June 4, starts at 6:00 pm
Corvallis High School parade, Saturday June 6, starts at 12:00 noon
Crescent Valley High School parade, Saturday June 6, starts at 4:00 pm
Each car parade will follow a prescribed route (see attached maps), and students will have the opportunity to decorate their cars to celebrate the occasion. The parade will travel at low speeds to facilitate engagement from bystanders along the route as well as ensure safety. Each parade will end at the respective high school, where the graduate’s diploma will be presented in small groups following Oregon Health Authority Guidelines. People may not gather at the schools unless they are assigned staff members or part of the graduation procession.
We encourage family, friends, and our Corvallis community to cheer on these graduates to celebrate their accomplishment. Each route has several opportunities for well-wishers to safely stand on sidewalks to cheer as the parade passes by. Please make sure to follow the appropriate state guidelines regarding health safety at the time of the parades, such as staying home if you are sick and maintaining appropriate physical distancing.
We also ask for patience from other motorists during the parades, which will have some effect on traffic. Please consider alternate routes during parade times to minimize the impact on your travel during the events.
We would also like to acknowledge the support of Corvallis Public Works with the permitting process, Corvallis GIS for mapping services, Oregon State Police for traffic control near OSU campus, and the Corvallis Lions Club for volunteer support.
For questions, please contact:
College Hill: Kathee Kunkee, 541-766-4717
Corvallis High School: Christa Schmeder, 541-286-5798
Crescent Valley High School: Kim Nelson, 541-224-2601
Corvallis Police Department: Lt. Joel Goodwin, 541-766-6924