Times Observer photos by Brian Ferry There were signs and community supporters lined up along the Youngsville High School Class of 2023 Graduation Parade route on Thursday.

Most of the seniors participated in a Senior Graduation Parade from the American Legion at Highland Avenue, along North Main and East Main streets, to Bates Street, ending at the high school.

With a Youngsville Borough Police escort, the Marching Eagles led the parade.

Seniors waved and threw candy from cars and trucks, an ambulance, a classic race car, even horses.

The festivities continued at Mike Shine Field.

The Youngsville High School Marching Eagles led the Youngsville High School Class of 2023 Graduation Parade on Thursday.

It was the first of what Principal Paul Crider hopes will become a graduation tradition in the community.

About 35 of the school’s 50 graduates, teachers and school staff, and hundreds of people from the community joined in the fun — the parade, recognition event, picnic, cornhole, and bonfire.

Crider described it as “a celebration of all good things Youngsville,” including particular recognition of the graduates, the band, and spring sports athletes.

“It’s important to celebrate each student — and give them one last hurrah before tomorrow,” he said.

Warren County School District commencement activities were held at all four district high schools on Friday.

Pictured are Madeline Archuleta (left) standing up through a sunroof while classmates Katelyn Huffman and Hailey Wallace ride horseback.

Food was provided by Taco Bell and delivered by the Youngsville Sports Boosters.

The fire was overseen by the Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department.

The graduation event was a first, but the community celebration at the school was not. “We did it in the fall for Homecoming and it was even bigger,” Crider said. “The stands were packed.”

There was a similar, but indoor, event in the winter.

“Everybody’s been really supportive. People like it,” Crider said. “It gives the community an excuse to come out and celebrate. They like coming out and supporting the students.”

Pictured in this photo are Jaden Gesin and Koby Hendrickson acknowledging people along the Youngsville High School Class of 2023 Graduation Parade route on Thursday.