Graduation Class of 2020

The global pandemic resulted in many beloved traditions like Special Olympics, Prom, Senior Week, and Field Day being cancelled for the 2019-2020 school year. Another important tradition, perhaps the most important tradition to schools, was almost lost as well when state guidelines put significant limitations on what graduation could look like for the Class of 2020.

After losing so much at the end of their Senior year, Prosper ISD combined efforts with Senior parents and the community to make sure that the celebration of the Class of 2020 would live on, albeit looking a little different than in past years.

June 5th was not the date originally scheduled for the Prosper ISD graduation. Class of 2020 Seniors had looked forward to their May 22nd graduation at The Star. The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to those plans and necessitated a change. Rather than The Star, Prosper High School Class of 2020 Seniors got the opportunity to graduate in the new Children’s Health Stadium at Prosper ISD with up to five of their family members in attendance live and loved ones able to watch from home on the live stream.

Before graduation, community members set up an Adopt a Senior Facebook page where Senior profiles were posted and community members were able to adopt a Senior providing them with some love through gifts.

Prosper ISD got posters made of the graduates and lined Coleman with the images of the Class of 2020. Seniors received a Proclamation from Prosper Mayor Smith, special message from PHS and PISD educators, and a Senior Don’t Rush Video.

District employees created several outside photo opportunities for Seniors and their families to use to commemorate their special year. Project Graduation included a drive-in movie and lots of prizes. Each Senior received a special delivery from PHS staff including a Senior Goodie Bag and a care package with the Senior shirt, a message from counselors and admin., and the Senior photo taken at the stadium in the fall. Finally, all Seniors received a Yearbook complement of Prosper High School.

The Senior year for the Class of 2020 didn’t quite end as planned but they were able to have a “special graduation” month that no other class has gotten to experience and a true hometown celebration that will be remembered for years to come.