By Justin Adams | [email protected]

With the implementation of social distancing guidelines in response to COVID-19, it has been an anticlimactic last few months for Riverton High seniors. Classes cancelled. No prom. No sports. And no graduation. 

“My daughter was so bummed when school was cancelled. My son was happy because he gets to work and make money now,” said Sheridyn Cannon, whose twin children Treyson and Kenadi are seniors at Riverton High. “Both were very active in sports. All of that was taken from them. To not have a traditional graduation… it was a bummer. I wanted to do something nice for the kids.”

That something ended up being an idea to make sure each graduating senior has a lawn sign commemorating their hard work and perseverance. 

Cannon and her husband, who own a real estate company, enlisted a few other Riverton-area businesses to donate funds to help produce the signs. Those businesses include City Creek Mortgage, TLC Signs, Sparkle in Pink and Pro Floors of Utah. 

When she reached out to the high school to try to find out just how many signs they’d have to be making, the Riverton administration loved the idea and offered to help as well.

“It will hopefully help them feel some love and recognition,” said Assistant Principal Matt Tranter about the lawn signs. Tranter has been coordinating with Cannon on the design of the signs, as well as other efforts the school is making to ensure this year’s graduation is memorable, despite its limitations.

For example, Riverton High is working with the surrounding cities of Riverton, Herriman and Bluffdale to create a special ornament that graduating seniors can decorate their caps with. Riverton teachers also put together a video of themselves holding positive and uplifting signs for their students. 

“It’s a hard time. It’s hard for students. It’s hard for teachers and administrators,” Tranter said. “We’re just feeling like all of us together can make it through it. We’re just trying to find a way to make this a unique and memorable experience.” 

It’s not yet clear exactly how or when the signs will be delivered to students’ homes. There is a possibility the signs will first all be displayed on Riverton High’s front lawn. If that happens, the signs could be up as early as the weekend of May 1-3. 

It may not be the same as a traditional graduation ceremony, but Cannon said she hopes it will be a little token that Riverton’s seniors will remember. 

“It’s more than anything else for the kids. It’s giving the kids a chance to say goodbye. It’s the end of a 12-year career. You live for your high school graduation. I think it’s important the kids have some kind of recognition. It’s important for people in the community.”