Seminole’s boys and girls track teams were supposed to honor their seniors during a home meet this week. The spread of coronavirus kept that from happening, at least at the school’s stadium.

Determined to hold a ceremony, Warhawks coach Sandra Miller organized a “senior social distancing parade”. She enlisted the help of parents, coaches and other teammates who hopped in cars that became makeshift floats, complete with decorative hearts or commemorative sayings.

The caravan of cars drove to each seniors’ house. They honked. They yelled. Some sported signs. Others had their hands filled with balloons.  All made as much noise as possible. 

At each stop, Miller stepped out to deliver a senior portrait she placed in an envelope. On the back of the photo was a hand-written note by Miller. 

“We wanted to do something that was special, all at a comfortable distance, of course,” Miller said. 

The parade surprised the seniors, which was the intent. Miller made sure their parents did not inform their child of the festivities. 

Austin Brinkley, one of the seniors, heard the commotion as the line of cars made their way around his block. 

“I didn’t know what was happening,” Brinkley said. “I thought there was an accident or something because of all this honking. So I ran outside and that’s when I saw everyone.”

Some got out of their cars to greet Brinkley, all staying within the recommended boundaries for social gatherings.

“I’m definitely grateful for what they did,” Brinkley said. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”