It even included the hat toss

The goal was to make it as much like graduation as possible for the historic Rockdale High School graduating Class of 2020.

Goal accomplished.

The 90-plus seniors, who have had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic for the final months of their term marched across Tiger Stadium—in 15-minute intervals—for three evenings last week.

Waiting at midfield were their parents, and seniors were presented with, if not actual diplomas, the next best thing.

Principal Brent Hasselbach told The Reporter the seniors were presented with diploma covers. “They dropped them in a quarantine box as they left,” he said. We will then put the actual diplomas in those covers and distribute them back to the graduates on or after May 29.”

That’s the scheduled graduation day.

The ceremonies included caps and gowns, honors cords earned by the students during the year, photos and, of course, the traditional hat toss.

Plans are in the works for graduation evening, including a parade, ‘virtual graduation’ and stay-in-your-vehicle gathering for the seniors in the Tiger Stadium parking lot.

Also see page 1A.