Vinton Town Council has declared Tuesday, May 19, 2020, as Terrier Day in Vinton. Mayor Brad Grose read the proclamation via a Zoom broadcast.

The proclamation states, in part, “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Senior Class of 2020 are faced with having a very unique graduation experience. In addition to big events like graduation, they are missing out on traditions they have seen older classmates and siblings take part in that they will not get to experience.

“The staff and faculty of William Byrd High School like other schools across the nation have developed a creative and coordinated response plan to lessen the impact of students who feel that something is being taken away from them.

“This year there are 261 seniors that will be graduating from William Byrd High School with 113 continuing their education, 14 playing sports in college, three Eagle Scouts, and one Gold Award.

“On May 19, 2020, the date of the 97th commencement, these seniors will be graduating from William Byrd High School, which will begin with a graduation procession through the Town of Vinton and will end at the high school for a curbside presentation of diplomas to each graduate.

“The Town of Vinton commends the Roanoke County School Board, the William Byrd High School staff and faculty, and parents for their special considerations and efforts to make this a special day for this graduating class.”

Mayor Gross, Vice Mayor Keith Liles, and council members Sabrina McCarty, Janet Scheid, and Mike Stovall joined together to proclaim Terrier Day, extending “sincere congratulations and best wishes for their future endeavors.”