The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Finding new ways to celebrate, amid COVID-19

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It may not have been the graduation ceremony he envisioned, but 17-year-old Carl Scavino seems to be enjoying himself, as he took advantage of the sunroof to wave to the crowd. His mother, Judy Scavino, appeared to be having a good time, too. (Randy Underhill)

COVID-19 may have delayed graduations for the Class 2020, but it couldn’t curb the enthusiasm of graduates, and their loved ones, to celebrate their achievements.

Drive-by celebrations were held at The Grove in Wesley Chapel for members of the Class of 2020 from Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Cypress Creek high schools. Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore read the list of graduates’ names. Family and friends applauded and cheered, as vehicles drove by with the graduates.

There also was a celebration at Idlewild Baptist Church, in Lutz, for graduates from the church, as well as for graduates of various Pasco and Hillsborough County schools.

Kristen Engasser, 17, of Lutz, waits patiently for the 2020 Land O’ Lakes High School senior graduation parade to begin at The Grove shopping complex, Wesley Grove Boulevard in Wesley Chapel. The parade is a celebration of Land O’ Lakes seniors unable to have a formal graduation ceremony due to the COVID-19 school closures.
Minister Kelly Knouse, of Idlewild Baptist Church, greets Travis Shelby, a member of the Sunlake High Class of 2020.
Katheryn Munger, a member of Wesley Chapel High’s Class of 2020, gets ready to take part in the June 1 drive-by celebration for graduating seniors held at The Grove in Wesley Chapel. She plans to attend the University of South Florida.
Graduate Ashley Bischof is in the driver’s seat, as she takes part in the celebratory parade. She plans to attend Pasco-Hernando State College.
This group helped graduating seniors from Cypress Creek Middle High, during festivities at The Grove. From left, Jennifer Yingling, Mark Gold, DJ Night Mixer Makayla Gulash, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Troy Stevenson, Cypress Creek Middle/High School Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles, Jennifer Welling, and Tami Baker, along with the school’s Coyote mascot. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

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