Oakmont photographer making sure high school seniors feel special amid cancellations due to coronavirus

OAKMONT, Pa. — Seniors are facing the tough reality of not being able to enjoy the rest of their final year of high school.

Melissa Shontz is capturing this moment in time for graduating seniors.

"I’ve seen their struggles with all the events being canceled around graduation. I wanted to try and find something that would bring some joy and happiness back to a usually happy time,” Shontz said.

She’s a portrait and wedding photographer, and she came up with the idea of #UpliftingClassof2020. She’s been reproducing students’ color photos on vinyl flags.

"Everybody has been really uplifted by it, and it’s an exciting thing to be able to provide to the community,” Shontz said.

The flags have students’ names, their school logo and can bring about a lot of pride.

"We appreciate getting the banners, and we know our parents appreciate it,” said Cameron Jackson.

"We put them outside my house so everybody that lives in my town can see where we live and it's very fun to be recognized for my senior year,” said Emma Galiardi.

Galiardi and Jackson are both seniors who attend Riverview High School. They’re happy about the flags but still trying to get used to the new normal.

Shontz is helping others while she needs it. Her business is shut down because of the governor’s stay-at-home order and she’s still going out of her way to make sure graduating seniors never forget this moment.

"I’m trying to be helpful to them and provide them a really high-quality product at a really low cost,” Shontz said.

For ordering details and pricing, you can email Shontz at Melissa.Shontz@gmail.com.

Students might have to take SAT at home because of pandemic Students might have to take SAT at home because of pandemic

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