Graduation day is a rite of passage for every North East ISD student. The COVID-19 health crisis upended many of the plans, ceremonies and activities for the Class of 2020. This weighed heavily on NEISD administrators, teachers, parents and students as tough decisions were being made with the well-being and health of everyone in mind.
The District did everything in its power to provide a graduation ceremony in a safe environment. Shannon Grona, Board of Trustees President, says finding a way for seniors to walk the stage and accept their diploma in-person was always the goal.
"Walking the stage is a rite of passage and we wanted to do everything we could to provide our graduates that opportunity," said Grona. "The District created awesome virtual graduations with all of the traditional speeches and pictures of the graduates, but it was important to us that our graduates get the opportunity to walk the stage."
All week, teachers, parents, students and friends joined together to celebrate the Class of 2020. This moment was a culmination of hard work and perseverance through unprecedented circumstances. Graduation isn't just a highlight for seniors, it's also a privilege for NEISD board members.
"Every year, we look forward to graduation," said Grona. "Board members try very hard to attend every graduation because it is such a special time and we want to help our graduates celebrate this momentous occasion. We are so happy that we were able to find a way for our graduates to walk the stage and turn their tassel and throw their cap."
Click here to view NEISD's 2020 Commencement Ceremonies.
