Riverview's drive-in graduation gave seniors a taste of Hollywood

Riverview High School seniors saw their names and faces on the big screen, with some students blowing kisses to their fans in the audience.

It was not the premiere of a Hollywood production, but the conclusion of their time in the district, and the first time they’ve been able to be together since mid-March due to the covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s graduating class celebrated like movie stars Tuesday night at Riverside Drive-in Theatre in Parks Township, about 20 miles away from their high school and traditional graduation location, Riverside Park in Oakmont.

“Our class has seen a lot of change, and because of this we’ve become comfortable in uncomfortable situations,” co-salutatorian Victoria Zerbach said in her taped speech. “Even now, despite restrictions, clubs are still meeting virtually. Classes have still been taken place. Athletes are still practicing.

“Mentors are still offering advice. Friends are still supporting one another. Celebrations are still occurring. People are still finding ways to connect … This year is not like any other year, and this class is not like any other class. Being away from each other didn’t mean that we crumbled.”

Just the opposite, in fact, as people from both boroughs lined the main streets for a student parade prior to commencement, which was book-ended by police and firefighters.

Students arrived at the drive-in with family members in decorated cars. A black and gold balloon arch was placed at the entrance to the lot, which was marked with designated parking spaces.

There were no walks across stage or conferring of diplomas. However, seniors in attendance stood outside their cars and were featured on the screen individually.

Valedictorian Gillian Gaynor said in her taped speech: “Graduation isn’t defined by a piece of paper, a short walk across a stage or even the venue. Graduation is about the many years that came before this moment.”

While the venue may not have defined the milestone, graduate Tom Krusinski said he appreciated having the ceremony at the movie theater as opposed to the ballfield.

“I’m kind of glad because I think it’s really special (and) memorable,” he said. “I like being able to sit in a car with air conditioning instead of being stuck in a field. I do prefer this. I liked it a lot.”

Krusinski’s mother, Julie Sargent, was proud of her son and the administration for providing the non-traditional celebration.

“This was a unique and new opportunity for the graduating class that’s more than made up for what they’ve missed out (on),” Sargent said. “It provided an opportunity to bring more individualized attention to each student and their accomplishments.”

The speeches — greetings from Principal Eric Hewitt and messages from Superintendent Margaret DiNinno and guest speaker Bart Berkey, a Plum grad and Marriott International director — were all part of a production made by Riverview musical producer Dave Longstreth.

There was even an old film countdown prior to Berkey’s directive for students to “do what others don’t.”

A crew from Dobil Laboratories in Glenshaw helped broadcast on the theater’s screen, and captured each senior’s closeup. The event was livestreamed with a link on the district’s website.

Hewitt said the ceremony was a tremendous success, and diplomas would be sent in the mail.

“The biggest thing with all of this was the safety,” Hewitt said. “We wanted to make sure everyone was safe. It started with the venue. Our superintendent had the idea to do this. I live in the area, so we reached out to these guys. We reached out to a couple different places.

Attendees honked and clapped in appreciation of the students and commencement activities.

Senior Alyssa Cappa was surrounded by family and special guest Khloe, her 5-year-old female Chihuahua.

“It was definitely something different … Something nobody else (in Riverview) has done,” said Cappa, who has several family members who are also alumni of the school. “It’s sad but it’s also so exciting because we finally get to see each other again.”