Superintendent Armand Pires and Medway High School Principal Dr. John Murray are pleased to share that Medway High School seniors were recently surprised with special lawn signs.

Parents Andrea McCarthy and Karen Tudino, knowing that many of the traditional senior-year activities could be canceled or postponed due to the ongoing school closure relating to the COVID-19 outbreak, decided that delivering customized lawn signs to the class of 2020 would be a nice way to surprise the soon-to-be graduates and recognize them for their achievements. 

Dr. Murray and Assistant Principal David List sent an email to all grade 12 parents to allow them to purchase and order a sign to be delivered to their home as a surprise for their student. Many parents also donated extra to ensure that every student would get a sign in case a family was not in a position to purchase one. 

A group of 19 volunteers, including senior class parents, Dr. Murray, Assistant Principal List and teacher Kelly Bliss, picked up the signs outside of McCarthy's home on the evening of Sunday, April 12. Each volunteer received an email with a list of homes to deliver to, divided by neighborhood. Parents organized a staggered pick up of the signs so as to not have contact with others. 

All 189 seniors received signs in their front yard.

"Senior year is a memorable and special time for many students and our seniors have had their year impacted in a huge way," Dr. Murray said. "This surprise was a nice way to let the seniors know that their families, as well as everyone at Medway High School, are proud of their achievements and look forward to what each of them will accomplish in the future." 

The signs were supplied by Paul Johnson at Pure Graphics, a Medway graduate whose kids also attend Medway Schools. Johnson designed and printed 190 signs and donated an additional 10. They read: 

"Proud family of a Medway High School Class of 2020 graduate," and featured the Medway Mustangs logo. 

As a result of the sign project, a donation will also be made to the Medway Food Pantry at Mahan Circle in the name of the Class of 2020. Because many parents gave extra for the signs, there was approximately $300 left over, and an additional $200 has since been received for donation. McCarthy and Tudino are accepting donations through Friday, April 17. Those who wish to donate can do so by mailing a check made out to Andrea McCarthy or Karen Tudino to Medway High School, 88 Summer St., Medway, MA 02053.

"The feedback about the signs has been tremendous," McCarthy said. "Many parents have posted pictures of their children with the signs and expressed their appreciation on social media. This project was made even more special by the unexpected extra funds we received which will be put toward a great cause in the name of our seniors."