Source: Hometown Life

Author: Shelby Tankersley

Friday would have been the last time the 186 students in Mercy High School's senior class walked the school's halls before starting their adult lives. 

But of course, that didn't happen because of the coronavirus. 

Instead, the school held a parade for the class of 2020 on what would have been their last day as Mercy Marlins. Most, if not all, of the school's senior class turned out to celebrate. 

"There was a lot of honking of horns and yelling kids' names," said Cheryl Kreger, the school's president. "It was so much fun."

The Mercy Marlin led the route, which started at the Costick Center and proceeded to the school, both of which are on 11 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. Staff helped everyone park their cars and led a program that included prayer, the school song and a turning of tassels. Students remained in their cars the whole time. 

"Many of them either wore their cap and gown or their uniform with their cap, whatever they cared to do, and officially flipped their tassels to the graduated side," Kreger said.

Since schools have been closed for about two months, Kreger said it was especially nice for everyone to see each other, even if it was from a distance.

"It was a real shot in the arm for the teachers to see the students and just for the students to see each other," Kreger said. "With the parade route, everyone's car crossed everyone else's car. So they got to see all their classmates."

School administration plans to hold some kind of graduation ceremony July 19. Depending on the coronavirus situation at that time, the graduating women will either receive a traditional ceremony or a distanced commencement ceremony. 

Even though things might not be the same, Kreger said she's been impressed with how the senior class has handled the pandemic and hopes they'll be able to see a silver lining in this time of their lives. 

"I would hope when all is said and done, they will feel not so left out of denied celebrations but instead be able to rejoice in all that there has been," she said. "I'm hoping by the end of all this, whatever that means, that will be the takeaway: That they've had many joyous moments. You know, they'll have tales to tell."

Contact reporter Shelby Tankersley at stankersle@hometownlife.com or 248-305-0448. Follow her on Twitter @shelby_tankk.