It was born out of a sense of necessity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the reception was so overwhelming that it is happening again.
The classes of 2021 seniors at Perryville and St. Vincent High Schools will receive yard signs to be recognized for achieving one of life’s biggest milestones.
The yard signs were made last year in part because of the end of the school year coming early in April as a result of the pandemic. The students were pleased to receive them, so it only seemed logical to continue the program and make it a tradition.
Perryville mayor Ken Baer honored the St. Vincent students, while Robinson Construction and TG-Missouri recognized the Perryville High School graduates and sponsored the yard sign program. The signs have no company logos on them to make the recognition all about the graduating student. In addition to the signs, each senior received a letter acknowledging their accomplishments during their final year of high school.
“Our wish is for you to remember these times with pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment and that you continue to look to the future with hope that your plans will come to fruition and the world will be a better place because of you.” said the letter from Robinson Construction and TG-Missouri.
Bear echoed those sentiments in his letter as well. I am honored to give you this sign to place in your yard to show the community you are here,” the letter from Baer said. “that you accomplished something that should be celebrated and you are moving to the next stage in your life.”
In addition to the yard signs, the Class of 2021 will be recognized through a set of four banners located around town in Perryville.
The four banners — sponsored by a number of local businesses, are located on the corner of Hwy. 51 and Edgemont, the corner of St. Joseph and Jackson Streets and in the roundabout at the intersection of Main Street and U.S. 61.
“The banners are a great way to reach people in the community that may not have a graduate, but can still feel a sense of community pride when they see the local businesses that support the young people,” Republic-Monitor publisher Beth Durreman said. “Perryville is very supportive of its graduates and other young adults and seeing the yard signs and banners during the month of May is just one way to make this support visible.”
