Charter schools are celebrating their high school seniors in meaningful ways. In this series, we highlight different ways schools are sending off their 2020 graduates.
Charter School Graduates First Senior Class
School leaders at Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School in New York will host their first senior class graduation at the end of the month. For many students who felt disappointed by the school closure due to COVID-19, this intimate ceremony is a game changer. Students expressed how they were excited to have an in-person gathering, with social distancing guidelines in place.
Seniors Graduate in Virtual Ceremony
William Penn Charter School in Pennsylvania held a virtual graduation for their high school seniors. “Remarkable,” is how one speaker described the class of 2020. The prerecorded video included messages from students, teachers, and speakers, as well as photos and a musical performance. In virtual graduation was followed by a social distancing picnic, which allowed students to pick up their diplomas.
A Drive-Thru Graduation
Boston Collegiate Charter School in Massachusetts celebrated their graduating seniors with a drive-thru ceremony. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, students remained inside vehicles until their names were called. Students who were unable to attend the celebration received a special visit from the principal—delivering their diplomas straight to their doorsteps.
Kudos to the Class of 2020 for pushing through and achieving their goals despite many obstacles.
Brittnee Exum is the manager of marketing and communications at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
This post is part of an ongoing series to celebrate high school seniors’ graduation stories from charter schools across the country, despite pandemic-related school closures. Kudos to students and schools for their accomplishments and finding innovative ways to celebrate.
