It’s the most unique end to the most unique school term ever.
Ninety-five Rockdale High School seniors will graduate Friday at Tiger Stadium not by walking across the field— they’ve already done that (Reporter, May 14)—but by doing just about everything else the school district can think of.
Activities include a parade, big-screen “virtual graduation” and teacher-staff tributes, followed by fireworks, sponsored by Whinstone.
Of course social distancing precautions will be enforced as the COVID-19 Pandemic is the cause of the very different 2020 graduation plans.
Supt. Dr. Denise Monzingo said seniors were polled on what kind of commencement they preferred and 62-percent voted for the virtual format.
“Our goal is to make this day very special for our graduates,” she said. “We hope everyone will join us in our celebration.
SIGNS—Friday morning, senior signs will be placed along Murray Avenue between the high school and Tiger Field.
Principal Brent Hasselbach said seniors may pick up their signs any time beginning Saturday.
PARADE—Graduates should be at the intermediate school at 4:45 p.m. to participate in the parade, which gets underway at 5. The route is on page 8A.
Dr. Monzingo said social distancing will be expected.
“We encourage family members to look at the parade route and pick viewing spots,” she said.
“There will be one graduate per car, unless they are family,” she said. “Family members may ride in the car with the graduates.”
CEREMONY—The stadium parking lot opens at 8 p.m. Each senior will get one parking pass to be placed in the front window.
Seniors will be allowed one vehicle each, one senior per vehicle, unless family. Families are allowed to be in the car with their graduate.
Dr. Monzingo said drivers of all vehicles must follow instructions as there will be guided parking.
“There will be parking for other vehicles in the overflow (grass) parking lot, but the screen may not be visible from those locations,” she said.
There will be a teacher/ staff tribute to seniors at 8:30 p.m., followed by the virtual graduation at 8:45.
Instructions on tuning radios for the audio will be provided at the event. Links will be provided on the district website, rockdaleisd.net, the RHS Facebook page, @rockdlehighschool and the RHS twitter account.
Fireworks, provided by Whinstone, conclude the seniors’ big day (and night).
HONOR GRADS—RHS honor graduates are:
• Valedictorian, Madeleine Moody, 4.5592, daughter of Jason and Melanie Moody.
• Salutatorian, Whitley Boyd, 4.5574, daughter of Eddie and Susan Boyd.
• Sabrina Pantaleon, 4.475 daughter of Guillermo and Susan Pantaleon.
• Devon Whitsel, 4.442, son of Mike Whitsel and Gina Whitsel.
• Shay Gibson, 4.313, daughter of Bobby and Lorna Gibson.
• Marina Costilla, 4.274, daughter of Julian and Ofelia Costilla.
• Emily Depine, 4.239, daughter of Mark Depine and Staci Burlin.
• Payton Miller, 4.225, daughter of Jeff and Angel Miller.
• Lilian Lawhon, 7.1, daughter of Alma Ramos.
• Vanessa Reyes, 4.021, daughter of Cesar and Silvia Gonzales.
• Logan Palm, 3.954, son of Matthew and Michelle Rose.
• Fernando Luna-Herrera, 3.926, son of Francisco and Leticia Luna.
• Chloe Rundell, 3.913, daughter of Robby and Janna Rundel, Kyle and Stacie Griesbach.
• Angel Hollan, 3.894, daughter of Danny and Mary Calk.
• Andrea Salazar, 3.892, daughter of Jennifer and Raymond Cooper.
• Nelson “Koye” Bleeker, 3.873, son of Gary and Lisa Bleeker.
• Jasmine Acosta, 3.856, daughter of Jose and Raquel Acosta.
• Hailey Bangert, 3.74, daughter of Kim Howarton.
• Ross Loth, 3.639, son of Tom and Julie Loth.
• Nygia Crawford, 3.534, daughter of Nigel and Latrina Crawford.
• Arbranae Sessoms, 3.431, daughter of Stacy Allen.
• Carson King, 3.412, son of Irven and Vicki King.
• Mercedi Nieto, 3.391, daughter of Paul and Jessica Nieto.
• Trey Hale, 3.341, son of Tresla Davis.
• Wyatt Pounders, 3.262, son of Clyde and Whitney Pounders.
• Briana David, 3.226, daughter of James David and Tracy Beran.
• Raymond Brown, 3.202, son of Randall and Gilda Brown.
• Lexi Baggerly, 3.175, daughter of Jackie Lacy and Travis Woldridge.
• Diana Orozco-Picazo, 3.125, daughter of Alfredo and Juana Orozco.
• Trey Hill, 3.119, son of Eddie and Doris Hill.
• Aubrey Montelongo, 3.09, son of Ben Montelongo and Donna Barker.
• Brenden Miller, 3.077, son of Wesley and Julie Miller.
• Christopher Remaley, 3.049, son of Melissa Pomykal.
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