Staff photo / Ashley Fox Cousins Darius Gandy, left, and Erick Hernaiz hold tight during a procession through Campbell. To celebrate the milestone, the 2020 class, including 82 seniors, were led Thursday by firsts responders and volunteers around the city.

CAMPBELL — Sirens sounded while motorcycles hummed and people cheered Thursday throughout Campbell, but for great reason.

The community showed support for the graduating seniors of Campbell Memorial High School as they made their way around the city in a procession starting at 6 p.m. — the same time the original commencement was scheduled to take place before COVID-19 forced people to stay at home.

A one-call message to the community in addition to multiple social media announcements were made leading up to Thursday, said Matt Bowen, superintendent for the district.

Residents throughout Campbell were encouraged to stand outside without congregating, but waving and supporting the 82 students, the superintendent added.

“We did that all-call to tell everybody to make some noise,” said Brad Yeager, principal of the high school.

Cooperation from city officials, the police and fire departments and volunteers made the procession possible, Bowen said. Volunteers on motorcycles took turns helping lead the procession and blocking streets, he said.

One of the vehicles included 18-year-old Trinity Thomas, who was joined by mother Sharonda Cox and sister Jada Thomas.

Speaking of the school year, Trinity said: “It was pretty fun. It got a little hectic at the end, of course.”

Also showing her enthusiasm was Trinity’s mom.

“I’m estatic,” she said, excitedly as she was ready to drive her daughter.

Trinity will be attending Youngstown State University, studying musical theater and journalism.

Just a few cars back were cousins Darius Gandy and Erik Hernaiz, both 18.

Calling the school year “crazy,” Gandy said that the pandemic-induced stay-at-home orders were a sort of positive situation because he got to spend more time with family.

Keeping his optimistic outlook, Gandy said that the procession was a “blessing” because it was a new way to have a graduation.

Gandy is planning on leaving for boot camp next week for the Army Reserves.

He recently graduated from the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, where he studied welding.

Gandy said he is working on talking his cousin into enlisting with him, while Hernaiz added in the meantime, he is also looking into welding.

afox@tribtoday.com