Sailor Denise Davis-York, left, is shown with Wawasee High School Principal Geoff Walmer during Davis-York’s graduation ceremony. Photo by Tim Ashley

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — In a year already turned upside down by COVID-19, three Wawasee High School graduates who will be entering the military were still able to have a graduation ceremony, even if not with their peers in July.

Nathan Bess (U.S. Army), Evan Gregory (Army National Guard) and Sailor Denise Davis-York (Army National Guard) are not able to attend the class of 2020’s graduation ceremony in July due to military commitments. But high school administrators managed to arrange separate graduation ceremonies for each of the three in front of the main entrance of the high school.

Bess and Gregory’s ceremonies were held Thursday, June 4, while Davis-York’s was held Friday, June 5.

The students wore their caps and gowns and were presented their diplomas by Geoff Walmer, principal. John Snyder, assistant principal, also shared a few words during the ceremonies. A special backdrop was set up to allow photos to be taken.

And a few friends and family members were present for each of the three students.

Wawasee’s regular graduation ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Warrior Field. Although the three students joining the military won’t be present, their names will still be read and they will be listed in the graduation program.

There will be others joining the military who will be able to participate in July’s graduation ceremony.