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Graduation Day Comes Early for Bowsher Senior
Sojourner’s Truth Staff
The traditional pomp and
circumstance of graduation is eluding the class of 2020 and
is being replaced by virtual commencements and drive through
celebrations. One Bowsher High School senior feared that he
might even miss this year’s replacement events due to his
prior commitments.
Toledo Public Schools
Superintendent Romules Durant, EdD, and Bowsher Principal
Teri Sherwood were determined, however, that senior Parker
Drane, who has joined the U.S. Army and is scheduled to
leave before the school’s June 4 drive-thru graduation at
the Stranahan Theater, should not be deprived of the
celebration of the honors he has achieved during his four
years.
On Thursday, May 21,
Durant and Sherwood joined Parker’s Army recruiter, Sgt.
Gauje Rush, and surprised the senior at his home –
delivering his diploma and thanking him for his years of
hard work and the example he set during those years as he
strove to help others.
“During my years as
superintendent, I have shaken hands with every graduate,”
said Durant. “It would hurt me not to be able to take that
picture with you. We are proud of you and we want to thank
you for your service.”
Parker’s lifelong ambition
has been to serve in the military. “I always wanted to
protect people I love and I still want to do that,” he said.
Parker’s “graduation
ceremony” was a huge surprise, and a great relief. “I was
definitely afraid that I might not be able to graduate,” he
said afterwards. “This was definitely a heartwarming
experience.”
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