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NEW RICHLAND — Even though they can’t be in the classroom with their students, NRHEG staff as well as community members found a way to celebrate this year’s seniors.

Community members and school staff split up into caravans Monday night to deliver signs to the 58 seniors in the 2019-20 class. School buses and area fire departments and law enforcement vehicles also took part in the caravans, with many honking, waving, holding signs or displaying messages on their car windows. Four different caravans centered around the different towns that make up the NRHEG district: New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale and Geneva.

“This way we can make sure our seniors see and hear how much we care about them,” NRHEG Secondary Principal David Bunn stated in a press release ahead of Monday’s caravans. “We want to send a clear message that we are thinking of them and regret what’s happening. This should bring a few moments of connection, and be a lot of fun.”

NRHEG Activities Director Dan Stork said the idea came about after receiving an email from a company promoting their signs. He passed on the information to Deb Bently, Teri Kormann and Bunn, and the group sat down and brainstormed ways they could celebrate their senior class.

Expenses for the efforts were covered by a large donation from the school’s parent-teacher organization, donations from past and present school staff members, and by the school district.

“I hope tonight’s gesture provides a little hope and encouragement to our seniors,” Stork said. “I want the seniors to know that our entire staff, from pre-K through the high school, is thinking of them and want to do anything we can to recognize them. I also want them to know that their sacrifice is making a difference.”