ELKINS – COVID-19 has affected Randolph County citizens’ lives in many ways, but the disappointment shared by the county high schools’ graduating classes of 2020 has been overwhelming for students and parents alike.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic that has upended time-honored teenage traditions like proms and graduations, a group of citizens and parents recently came together to spearhead an idea that would help Randolph County graduating seniors celebrate their accomplishment in a unique way – Graduating Senior Banners.
The group then reached out to Randolph County United (RCU) to help facilitate the project.
“Randolph County United is an established non-profit that specializes in school projects,” explained president Jonathan Kyle. “We have the online infrastructure in place to make taking donations easy, and the manpower to pull the resources together.”
With the project now in full swing, and a Facebook page set up to disseminate information, RCU is now ready to take donations to pay for the project that will give all 269 graduating seniors in Randolph County the recognition they deserve.
“Each graduating class will have their senior banners displayed in front of their respective school,” Kyle explained. “Elkin High School graduating senior banners will be installed at the downtown Railyard for more exposure to the community.”
Local businessman Rob Elbon has the design ready and will manufacture the banners at cost. School officials are collaborating with students to provide their graduation photos.
The project will cost approximately $8,500.00, which includes banner manufacturing and fence posts.
“Now is the time to show your support for our Seniors and make this project a reality,” Kyle said. “Total cost for the banner and posts is approximately $33 each.”
Donations can be made by individuals, and businesses may donate to purchase multiple banners. Randolph County United will offer regular updates on the amount of money raised on the newly-formed Facebook page: Senior Graduation Banners for Randolph County WV
There are three ways to make a contribution:
1. PayPal – info@randolphcountyunited.org
2. Drop off at any Mountaineer Insurance Services location
(Location information located at: www.mountaineerins.com )
3. Mail to: MIS, 3154 Seneca Trail, Beverly, WV 26253