Here's the first of a series of articles that captured what happened in June at the end of the 2019-20 school year. Note: Photos of students, staff and families were taken following appropriate coronavirus measures that were in place at that time.
Eighty-one seniors graduated from Holley Middle School/High School (MS/HS) on June 27. All students wore red caps and gowns as they parked in the MS/HS parking lot in alphabetical order. The graduation ceremony was held on the sidewalk that faced the parking lot so that families could be socially distanced, but still be able to see and hear the ceremony as each graduate crossed the stage.
Forty-nine graduates headed off to college or trade school, 14 joined the workforce, 12 were undecided and three foreign exchange students returned to their home countries. Graduates received over $29,000 in local scholarships and awards, and are eligible for up to $450,000 in specific college scholarships.
Class of 2020 President Kohl Morgan started the ceremony. Class Vice President Morgan Cary announced that this class were the champions of senior skip day, with 67 consecutive days off since school closed to students in March due to the coronavirus. Salutatorian Ally Benson and Valedictorian Tyra Shepherd gave their speeches to an audience that filled the parking lot. Staff members in attendance sat in chairs behind the stage, spaced out six feet apart. Graduates were acknowledged with awards from Senior Class Advisor Suzanne Lepkowski. MS/HS Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) Matt Hennard gave the commencement address, telling them they had an experience this year that no other class had. “This year helped build you, but it didn’t define you,” said Hennard. “Only you get to tell your story. This class has a hopeful outlook. You made the best of a bad situation.”
As each senior approached the stage, they dropped off their decorated mosaic tiles, displayed on an easel. The tiles will be adhered together on a wall in the high school as a new class tradition. After Holley staff announced the graduates’ names and future plans, MS/HS Principal Susan Cory posed with the graduates after giving them their diplomas. Graduates stood in front of their vehicles and tossed their caps to end the ceremony.