We write today to thank the communities of Chester, Deep River, and Essex in their overwhelming support of the Valley Regional High School Class of 2020. From the signs and ribbons of support around the tri-town area to all the people that came out to cheer on the car parade, our children truly felt the love and support of the community over the last few weeks of the school year.

Thanks go to the faculty and staff at Valley Regional High School and Regional School District 4 Administration, who worked tirelessly to make sure the seniors had a graduation to remember. Countless meetings with local health district officials and working through the logistics took dedication and perseverance during what was an already busy time. Their time and effort are appreciated

Thanks go to the selectpersons in each town, Lauren Gister, Norm Needleman, and Angus McDonald, and staff, and the police and fire departments. They showed their support in assisting with logistics for the graduation ceremony, as well as supporting the graduate parade on June 21. Without their help and suggestions, the banners and graduate signs would not have been able to be placed in such great locations around the three towns to honor our graduates and our car parade would not have happened.

We thank the Essex Fire Department, Deep River Historical Society, and Town of Chester for allowing the use their spaces to honor the Class of 2020 with their posters. Those installations provided some much-needed time to reflect and to “be with” the class of 2020.

We are fortunate to live in a community that values our youth, our future leaders. Thanks go to all for their part, however small, in giving our Valley Regional High School Class of 2020 a graduation that will long be remembered.

Sheila Robida, Co-chair

Valley Safe Grad