Photo: No need to leave your car to start the graduation celebrations at Belmont High.

It was one stop shopping for Belmont High’s senior class as graduates came back to the school in vehicles to pick up their diplomas, caps and gowns as well as some swag and loud, sustained congratulations from teachers and staff.

In a year when a world-wide viral pandemic ripped to shreds the traditional events – prom, cruise, get togethers and a happy graduation ceremony in the field house – associated with the final days of public school, the high school administration team came up with safe, festive occasions to demonstrate to the students and their parents that their 13 years of schooling would be acknowledged.

Under summer like conditions, nearly the entire class of 2020 – about 330 students – drove into the school’s parking lot to an assembly line of facility who handed out diplomas, the swag bag and a line of teachers beating drums, holding signs and singing. And the kids, many with parents, family and friends in their cars and SUVs, appeared to appreciate the gesture.