SHS Grad Night event canceled

SANDPOINT — The 2020 Grad Night celebration has been canceled, according to an email sent to parents Wednesday afternoon.

After ongoing discussions with local and state officials and a review of Idaho’s four-phase reopening guidelines, organizers said a gathering of 300 people — students and volunteers — isn’t possible due to social distancing recommendations due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“I think we all sort of knew this was coming but to sit here and have to write it out brings tears to my eyes,” Annie Hendricks wrote in an email sent to parents that was shared with The Daily Bee.

With all of the uncertainty, Grad Night organizer plan to issue checks to each student to help them cover any college costs or other expenses they may have, Hendricks said in the email. They also are looking to have a custom card made for the soon-to-be graduates, which will them be shared with parents to hand write a message to the SHS students.

“This is simple and personal,” she said, adding that as soon as it is done, they will be delivered to the school to be mailed to the students.

In the email, Hendricks thanked the parents and community for their support and working so hard on the event.

“But like everything else I’ll miss seeing our kids enjoy each others company as a class one last time,” she said. “ I have known quite a few of you since our kids were in kindergarten and seeing it all end this way is very sad. That being said I also think they have demonstrated great kindness, determination and thoughtfulness throughout this whole ordeal. We truly have amazing kids, school staff and community!”