Parade recognizes Shen. Valley senior’s birthday
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Jake Thomas is struck with silly-string from a passerby in a parade celebrating his birthday on May 2, 2020.
SHENANDOAH – A Shenandoah Valley senior’s 19th birthday coincided with prom weekend this year, and, while the latter was cancelled, family and friends set out to make sure the former was celebrated.
South West Street was the site of the latest birthday parade in our area, celebrating Jake Thomas’s birthday.
Dozens of family and friends drove past Thomas’s house, waving, giving cards, signs, and even a commemorative T-Shirt, presented by Lynn Karosas.
“19th Birthday QUARANTINED. How do I celebrate? WITH A BIRTHDAY PARADE!” the shirt read.
Some friends had another surprise — silly string.
“That was crazy,” Thomas told the Sentinel after the parade. “I have no words, that was amazing.”
Thomas said his birthday this year is among the best he’s had.
The parade wasn’t much of a surprise, he said.
“I didn’t know what to expect today, but I’ve seen this on the internet a lot,” Thomas said. “For it to actually happen for me, it’s pretty amazing. I’m never going to forget it.”
The coronavirus was another setback in Thomas’s school year, which began with an injury early in the football season. He was cleared to play in time for the Blue Devils’ 2020 baseball campaign, right as the coronavirus pandemic struck.
“It sucks, but it is what it is,” Thomas said. “You’ve just got to keep moving in life.”
Next year, Thomas will head west to California — the borough in Washington County — to study at the California University of Pennsylvania, but for now, he was glad to see his friends for his birthday.
“To have my best friends come to my house to see me, it’s amazing,” Thomas said. “That’s what true friends are, especially in times like this.”
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How many new covid-19 cases in the county today ? It was thoughtful friends and family wanted to honor this young man on his birthday. I am extremely upset with the lack of adherence to safety protocol . Group of friends riding together violating staying safe . No masks or social distancing . Handshaking is a “NO ” .
The best honor is to keep the ones you love safe and healthy for a long time to come .
This is very nice, however, shaking hands violates social distancing.