Seniors seen hanging out near golf course

RITZVILLE -- Drive along the Ritzville Golf Course on Division Street, and you will notice posters of Lind-Ritzville High School seniors of 2020, who are missing out on a number of milestone celebrations this year. Having the posters hung on the chain link fence for the community to view is a first-time event this year.

Sarah Dinkins, a Lind Elementary School teacher with a graduating son said the event was organized by Kari Frederick, with other parents of graduating seniors.

"We just wanted to make sure our seniors are recognized for all their accomplishments," Dinkins said. "It's hard to go all 12 years and work that hard without recognition. We just wanted to honor them."

"The senior display is just another example of the great support our communities give to our schools. The all-volunteer project is a tremendous tribute to an amazing senior class," Lind Ritzville School District Superintendent Don Vanderholm said. "I can't thank our community folks enough!"

Earlier in the month, when Governor Jay Inslee extended closure of schools in the state to the end of the 2019-2020 school year, Vanderholm expressed empathy for the graduates, while pointing out the special attributes this particular challenge could afford the class of 2020.

"I feel especially sorry for our seniors, whose capstone year of education has been dramatically altered," Vanderholm said. "Even so, they will be filled with grit and determination, and perhaps be the best prepared class, for post-secondary challenges, we have seen in a very long time."