For the second straight year, the City of Arvada’s historic water tower will emit the colors of seven different schools throughout the month of May to honor this year’s senior class. 

The newly founded tradition began last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that hindered the experiences of the 2020 graduation class such as the cancellations or postponements of graduations, proms and other annual events.

But due to such an overwhelming positive response and the lingering effects of COVID-19, the city decided to do it again, said Ben Irwin, the city’s chief communication manager.

“When it came around this year it sort of seemed like an obvious thing to do again,” said Irwin.

“People really appreciated it and saw a ton of mentions of it on social media, and sharing photos of various students with the water tower displaying their school colors in the background.”

The water tower that stands 152 feet tall, was built in 1910 and stands near Ridge Road and Allison Street, will emit an aura of red, white, blue, purple and many more colors throughout the sky beginning on May 7.

Each of the seven schools will be honored on a specific date. The schedule is as follows:

• May 7: Arvada High School
• May 8: Two Roads Charter School
• May 14: Arvada West
• May 15: Faith Christian Academy
• May 21: Pomona
• May 22: The Early College of Arvada & Ralston Valley