FLORENCE — At what should be a time of celebration, high school seniors across the country are stuck at home missing everything from prom and spring sports, to taking their final exams in a classroom.
Florence teacher and yearbook adviser Keri Briney felt her school’s seniors needed a little pick-me-up after missing out on so much this semester, so she called on the Class of 2021 to lend a hand.
“The junior class is sponsoring senior portrait banners, and we're going to hang them around town just to honor the seniors since we weren't able to host a prom for them, or anything like that,” said Briney, adding, “I just want to make the seniors feel special.”
Each of the 47 seniors in Florence’s graduating class now has a personalized banner lining the Highway 93 walking trail. Briney thanks a list of people that helped make the banners happen.
“Thank you Class of 2021 for your generous donation. There are so many others to thank," Briney said. "Thank you Stephanie K Geiser, Boyce Lumber, Sportland Trailers, Farmers State Bank, Class of 2020, Florence Civic Club and Park Board, Joyce Schroeder, The Schneiter’s, McNairs, Harrington’s, Alm’s, Lisa Eggleston, Ed Combo, Jonny Chamberlin and JP Briney."
At a time when nothing is really the norm, Briney hopes the new street decor offers a little bit of happiness to the class of 2020 and anyone who happens to be passing through town.
“I miss them like crazy, and if it brings joy to anyone, that makes all of us happy," she said.
