ELMIRA HEIGHTS, NY (WENY) -- With high school graduations in question all across the Twin Tiers, school districts are getting creative on how hold a physical ceremony. This afternoon, a parade was held in Elmira Heights to celebrate seniors and retirees from Thomas A Edison High School. 

Cars decorated in balloons, streamers, and farewell wishes gathered this afternoon at Cohen Elementary before 2 this afternoon to set up the parade that honored graduating seniors and retiring school employees. Elmira Heights School Superintendent, Mike Gill said they got the idea from seeing other schools conduct parades for their seniors and he says this is the best way to recognize the graduates as well as their retiring employees. Gill also says this parade embodies the community.

"I think this is fantastic, this parade really reflects the community that we are traveling through> It's a very tight knit community, the people here really care about each other. Not just in our community, we are a reflection of that within our schools," said Gill.

This celebration was also for retirees and they were overwhelmed with emotion and say this type of event just shows how close the community is.

"It just shows what Elmira Heights is really all about. We are always there for each other. It is a wonderful school district. A wonderful community to live in, and I have been so blessed to be part of it for 35 years," said Barb Day a retiring Teacher's Assistant.

Day also said she was overwhelmed with emotion and with her 35 years of experience she has never seen an event like this.

Day said, "It is overwhelming, I have never been here to witness anybody go through a retirement celebrated quite like this. So, it is quite overwhelming and I'm speechless."

Parents and students attended and were excited to celebrate the class of 2020, but the past few months have been difficult at times.

"It has been very different, a little challenging as a parent to give my son that educational opportunity and to watch him through Zoom. It hasn't been ideal, but we've made it through and hard to see him not have connections with his friends and high school experiences," said Jennifer Johnson a teacher and parent.

Gill did tell WENY News he does plan to have a formal graduation for students as well.