By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
It had not been done before, but this year was different.
Without a high school graduation ceremony planned in Okarche, and with schools out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual ceremonies replaced the usual commencements and baccalaureate services for the class of 2020.
So the Okarche Town officials came up with a plan to honor the seniors, said Town Clerk Dana Reese.
A banner featuring a color photograph of each senior was featured on banners 5 feet long and 2 feet wide.
Public Works Director Grant Kuehn said the banners were placed on light poles along U.S. 81, also known as Main Street in Okarche, for the most visibility.
“We wanted them to go along U.S. 81 north and south so more people would see them,” Kuehn said.
The banners have been appreciated by the seniors, he said. Jaxon Vallerand, who is working a summer job for the public works department, got to hang his own banner.
“He took a lot of pictures,” Kuehn said.
Jaxon Vallerand’s father David Vallerand, was the Okarche Elementary School Principal who was tragically killed in 2016 assisting a motorist near El Reno on Interstate 40.
Jaxon Vallerand said he believes his father is still with him and is proud of him.
“I feel like he (David) would be proud about how much I’ve done in my life and how I’ve grown,” Jaxon Vallerand said.
Reese said Becky Treece worked on the graphics for the banners, and town treasurer Brian Schieber coordinated the efforts. The cost of the project was covered by the town.
