The sidewalk outside the high school was covered in the names of River Falls seniors when they came to pick up their caps and gowns this past Thursday April 23. The sidewalk chalk name recognition initiative was spearheaded by Kelsey Schneider, together with help from Kristen Schneider, Karlie Vossen, Josie Nelson, Olivia Miller, Cass Rude, and Emilee Hansen. Schneider shared more about the project on Facebook.

“In honor of the Class of 2020, the sidewalk at the high school has been decorated and the name of every senior written,” she wrote. “The idea came as I was going for a drive last week. This is a part of a larger video project I am working on, and the chalk was timed for all of the seniors to see it when we pick up our caps and gowns tomorrow. Stay tuned for the full video project coming next week!”

Schneider went on to thank “Mr. Luedtke and the high school administration” for their support. “Social distancing was practiced as we were working and chalk was not shared person to person,” she said of the project.

The day after Schneider wrote her post, River Falls faculty were on hand with encouraging signs and wearing facemasks as the senior picked up their caps and gowns. “I miss my school family” one said. “Estoy aquí quieriéndote,” another read in Spanish. “I am here, wishing you were too,” a rough English translation might read. With support being shown from all around, seniors in the Class of 2020 at River Falls are on track to close out the year in what might prove to be an especially memorable style—once the current situation is past, that is. Way to go Kelsey and the others!

THE CLASS OF 2020

Staff greeted seniors with messages Thursday as the students came to school to pick up their caps and gowns. Students used chalk to write their names on the sidewalk at the high school. Photos from River Falls School District Facebook page.