PHOENIX — High school seniors won’t be getting the traditional graduation ceremony this year, but schools are still finding ways of honoring the class of 2020. Some students in Ahwatukee are still be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments.
“This is senior distribution day here at DV,” said Mike Deignan, principal at Desert Vista high school.
It’s not the walk across the graduation stage. Instead a graduation drive-thru for the seniors.
Administrators, teachers and students practiced social distancing in the student parking lot on campus, while seniors came through to pick up graduation items, ahead of their virtual graduation event.
“Stoles and cords that they’ve earned,’ said Deignan. “AIMS tassels, if they’ve earned that for their performance on the AIMS test.”
From the more traditional graduation items like caps and gowns and diploma covers, to a personalized yard sign, honoring each member of the class of 2020.
“A senior t-shirt we’re giving to everybody before they head out of the parking lot…” he said. “…using appropriate guidelines for gloves and masks and getting everybody through in an orderly and efficient manner.”
Teachers volunteered to man the stations in 2-hour time blocks, and they were eager to do so, for the chance to touch base with their students face-to-face.
“It filled up in hurry, because they want to see the kids… they miss them,” said Deignan.
Tempe Union High School District will hold the virtual graduation on May 21st. They’ll have graduation day memories that are very different the classes that came before the, but their principal has a reminder.
“Class of 2020, we miss you,” he said.