Congrats Grad!

Trading the stage for a screen.

That’s the story for the class of 2020. Rapid City area high schools and post-secondary institutions have had to pivot their plans for a traditional commencement ceremony in light of CDC guidelines to forego large gatherings. But they are not wavering in the work to ensure area graduates still get the recognition they deserve – even if it may look a little different.

“For all of us to graduate, especially making it through the chaos of this last semester, that’s something to celebrate,” says Alisha Allen, a recent graduate from the LPN program at Western Dakota Tech. In addition to working at a local clinic, Allen will be continuing her education through WDT’s new RN program.

A strong economy begins with a strong, educated workforce. Take a moment to applaud and celebrate the Class of 2020!

Universities

Members of the Hardrocker Pep Band performs the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology fight song at the closing of the school's first ever virtual commencement.

Black Hills State University honored graduates with a Virtual Commencement Ceremony on May 8.

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology students experienced a whole new game of life in the May 9 Virtual Commencement Ceremony modeled after a video game!

Western Dakota Tech is in the final stages of planning a virtual commencement ceremony for later this summer. Date to be determined.

Oglala Lakota College will be honoring graduates with five separate Zoom ceremonies. Additionally, the college is gift each gradate $ 50 to go toward a celebratory family dinner. Graduation ceremonies will be:

June 12

Cheyenne River, 10 am

June 20

Eagle Next, Pass Creek, LaCreek, Oglala, Wounded Knee and East Wakpamni, 10 am Rapid City, 1 pm

June 21

Pahin Sinte and Pejuta Haka, 10 am // Pine Ridge, 1 pm

A Douglas High School graduate receives her diploma at Roy’s Drive-In Theater on May 17.

High Schools

Rapid City Area Schools will be airing virtual graduations June 7th on Black Hills Fox TV and will be streamed at Blackhillsfox.com.

June 7

Central High School at Noon // Stevens High School at 1 pm // Rapid City High School at 2 pm

Stevens High School at 1 pm // Rapid City High School at 2 pm

Douglas High School is hosting a traditional ceremony at Patriot Stadium on Sunday, July 26.

Sand Scripts and other area printers have created yard signs to show support for area seniors.