A sweet silver lining: Sumter's Cut Rate gives milkshakes to all seniors

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Crestwood High School seniors got a fun "milkshake diploma" from Cut Rate Soda Foundation and Drug Store last week.

Todd Touchberry, manager at the iconic downtown Sumter eatery, is giving away a free milkshake to any high school senior from Sumter's public and private schools after the last part of their senior year, including prom and a traditional in-person graduation ceremony, was canceled because of COVID-19.

Because of social distancing and health guidelines in response to the pandemic, private schools have generally opted to hold altered graduation ceremonies at later dates and with limited guests, and Sumter's three public schools will hold their commencements virtually with pre-recorded footage of speeches and students walking across the stage streaming next weekend.

More information on the remaining schedule can be found at www.theitem.com or the restaurant's Facebook page.