Kristina Keaton was admittedly nervous to let her little brother Chris drive her cherry-colored Volkswagen convertible in Wareham High School’s senior car parade on Tuesday, May 23.

However, she was so proud of her brother for being about to graduate that she let him have the keys. 

Graduating seniors of the Class of 2023, escorted by police cars and fire engines, made a colorful procession down Main Street and Marion Road as their proud families watched from the sidewalk. 

“It feels immaculate,” Aiden Carbone said about graduating. 

“It feels like we have a sense of unity within this community,” said Salim Karam, who plans to go to Temple University in Philadelphia to study international business. 

Seniors had the opportunity to decorate their cars for the parade. While most stuck with the school colors of blue and yellow, Ariana Harris and Ethan Cobb “went all out” to make their car pretty in pink. 

“My color is pink,” Harris said. “Everyone knows that.” 

Every inch of Alexander Burdick and Addyson Pimental’s pickup truck was covered in colorful drawings and inspirational quotes — which makes sense, since Pimental plans to attend the Massachusetts College of Art and Design after she graduates.

“It’s been a long 14 years,” said Burdick, who plans to study international maritime business at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. 

Burdick and Pimental also allowed their classmates to sign their truck.

Despite not being seniors, seventh graders Josiah Anderson and Domanic Lorizio, and freshman Jayden Gomes, rode their bicycles in the parade.

Domanic’s older brother Elijah Carrion was in the parade, as were many of his friends. 

“Now they can get a real job and move on with their lives,” Domanic said. 

“I’m proud of them for going through the struggle to get where they’re at now,” Gomes said. “You know I gotta come out and show some love for my friends.”