With pandemic-related closures changing the way schools operate, graduation looks different across all schools in the nation. From virtual celebrations to car parades—schools are finding a way to commemorate student’s dedication throughout the years. In an online commencement address to the 2020 graduating class, former President Barack Obama told students “…your graduation marks your passage into adulthood.”
In this series, we will share how high school seniors at charter schools across the country are celebrating this monumental moment in their lives.
Yard Signs and #RASeniorsStrong
Renaissance Academy in Pennsylvania is helping their high school seniors show off their accomplishments! The school gave their students yard signs to keep spirits high and celebrate graduation. Members of the school’s board of trustees went door-to-door delivering the signs. Many students are showing their appreciation and enthusiasm on social media—using the hashtag #RASeniorsStrong.
Charter School-Attending Twins Accepted into 38 Colleges
Two high school seniors at Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy in Wisconsin are celebrating double time after being accepted into 38 colleges and offered more than $1 million in scholarships. Twins Arianna and Arielle Williams decided to stay in their home state for college to study nursing at Marquette University.
A Drive-Thru Graduation Celebration
Newark Charter School in Delaware held a drive-thru graduation for their high school seniors. Parents and students drove through the parking lot to celebrate this milestone. Each senior had the opportunity to exit the car one at a time to receive their diploma. Families later received a recording of the school’s commencement speeches.
Virtual Graduation with Social Distancing in Mind
Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Florida held a virtual graduation for their high school seniors. To make the moment extra special, the students were assigned a time to report to the school, line up 10 feet apart outside, and walk across the stage in the auditorium one at a time. A photographer captured the moment for each student to create a video of the ceremony for families.
100% Acceptance Rate for Success Academy Seniors
Every graduating senior in one of New York City’s largest charter school networks has the choice of attending college this fall. Success Academy’s High School of the Liberal Arts in Manhattan enrolls 98 seniors and every single one earned admission to universities, including Yale, Penn, Duke, and Georgetown.
Congratulations to these individuals in the 2020 class of charter school graduates!
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.
