Pomp and unforeseen circumstances

A WSSD school bus decked out to celebrate the 2020 graduates. Photo by Ben Ainsley.

To the Editor,

Our son graduated from Strath Haven High School last Friday, and this community helped make it a day to be remembered. Yes, there is a pandemic. Yes, it rained, so the graduation had to be indoors. But our neighbors in Wallingford, Swarthmore, Rutledge, and South Media showed us what community and kindness and hope and love are all about. Despite all that divides us today, our community came together and shined. Cars were decorated and filled with excited grads and their beaming parents. People lined the car parade route, undaunted by the pouring rain, to celebrate these kids! Even the teachers came out to line the route. Whether it was with signs, noisemakers, or even by throwing bears into the cars in front of Wallingford Elementary School, these wonderful people showed up — together — for all of our kids and helped make it a graduation day that will never be matched. 

Thank you to the SHHS administration and parents who made this happen. Thank you to the entire community from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for making this a shining moment of community for all of our kids.

Natalie and Andy Bennett
Wallingford