DAVE MOSIER/ independent editor A sense of normality returned somewhat to local high school graduations, as Van Wert and Lincolnview high schools held their first in-person graduation ceremonies since 2019. Last year’s graduations were cancelled as schools closed early because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduates at Van Wert (top) and Lincolnview toss their mortarboards to “cap” graduation ceremonies held Sunday — the first graduations held since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. photos by Scott Truxell and Bob Barnes/Van Wert independent Van Wert graduated 135 seniors and Lincolnview 67 seniors during a year that included a veritable plethora of academic challenges, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.