Orchard sends final graduating class out into the world

A global pandemic, social distancing and threat of a thunderstorm didn't keep the senior class at Orchard Public Schools from walking across a makeshift stage to accept their diplomas, June 6.

Family members watched from seats on the football field, as Chance Boelter, Gage Clifton, Ira Lampert, Eli Macke, Houston Marino and Gage Switzer became the last class to graduate from OPS.

Exchange students Silvia Bode-Garcia and Madleen Reipen were not present. Both students returned to their respective homes once COVID-19 measures were established in March.

The 20-minute ceremony included the traditio...