In the hours just after school on Thursday, April 22, over 20 Kennett High School teachers and administrators, along with members of the Kennett Education Foundation (KEF), placed signs on the lawns of all 319 members of KHS’s 130th graduating class, the class of 2021. 

These volunteers drove district bus routes, planting the signs at the homes of seniors. 

For the second year, the signs were funded by a generous donation from KEF. Lettered in Kennett blue and white, of course, and featuring the Kennett “K” logo and a graduation cap, each sign proudly proclaims Kennett Education Foundation Congratulates the Class of 2021. The reverse side of the sign offers the same good wishes in Spanish. 

KEF printed a total of 400 signs, with plans to place the additional 81 signs at the high school itself, all of the district elementary schools, the middle school, the Y, the Garage, and other businesses and locations around town, so residents are reminded of the important goal attained by KHS seniors. And, the graduates can see tangible proof of the pride of the entire Kennett community in their achievement. 

Alison Biloon, current KEF president, was excited that the organization once again sponsored the congratulatory signs for the graduating class. 

“These 14 months have been like no other, and KHS seniors deserve to be recognized for their efforts and perseverance throughout virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning. We know they missed some milestones, and we hope this small gesture helps remind the seniors of the support from the district and the community,” said Biloon. 

KEF board members worked in partnership with the high school, specifically senior class advisor Peggy Hughes, on the project. Hughes was tasked with organizing the distribution of the signs and recruiting volunteers. 

“When I asked the staff for help, the response was overwhelming,” she said. “Our seniors are so loved, and the sign planting was a fun way to recognize them and all of their hard work.”

Kennett High School principal Dr. Jeremy Hritz added, “For the second year in a row, our seniors have been negatively impacted by COVID, and in an effort to ensure they understand how important they are to us, celebrating their imminent accomplishment with the yard signs is a way for us to do just that. We are tremendously grateful for the KEF making this effort possible.”