Crook County High School seniors celebrate graduation in style with parade tradition

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crook County High School graduates celebrated their achievements today by taking part in a long-standing Prineville tradition: the Graduates Parade. The event, held just after noon, brought students and community members together for a unique celebratory procession through the city.

Students gathered in the high school parking lot to transform their vehicles into parade floats. Participants adorned various vehicles, including work trucks, big rigs and classic cars, for the parade. Residents of Prineville lined the sidewalks to cheer for the graduates as they took to the streets.

Sophie Fischer, a graduating senior, shared her enthusiasm for the event. "It's just fun to, like, see everyone in the community and, like, you know, drive past our old schools and, like, see everyone we know. Just like, one last time all together," Fischer said.

Katie Anderson, also a graduating senior, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the social aspect. "Yeah, it's one last hang out with your class and you get to decorate your car, so it's pretty awesome," Anderson said.

Graduating senior Alejanero Contreras expressed his excitement about reaching this milestone. "excited, though, like, I'm graduating now, you know? Yeah. Just gotta make noise with my friends, you know? Celebrate," Contreras said.

Another graduating senior, Jaylin Glassman, pointed to the community involvement. "because you get to get together with the community and see other people and all the children watching you. It's pretty awesome," Glassman said.

During the parade, the graduates engaged with the crowd, waving and tossing candy. Some students even shot water from their cars, providing a refreshing moment on a hot summer day.