Congratulatory messages decorated vehicles and cheers echoed throughout Welcome Stadium during senior graduation parades held during the first week of June.

The district held parades in place of traditional commencement ceremonies to abide by social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These parades gave parents, staff and students an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 and also allowed graduates to formally receive their diplomas. 

Graduates walked down a pathway of cheering teachers and administrators to receive their diplomas while their families drove alongside them. At the end of the pathway, seniors had a professional photo taken. 

Each school had its own parade and personalized the event for students. Dunbar handed out senior T-shirts, and Meadowdale, Thurgood and Belmont handed each student a flower. Several schools even provided decorative paint for vehicles. Meadowdale also held a car decorating contest and awarded the winner $100.

Graduates will receive personalized commencement ceremonies with speeches from classmates, the Superintendent and the Board of Education, along with photos of each graduate who attended the parade.