High school holds cap-and-gown pickup for seniors, still hopes to have ceremony

MONROVIA, Ind. (WISH) — Monrovia High school had 130 seniors set to walk the stage this spring, but COVID-19 put their celebration on hold.

Monrovia and some other high schools across the state will hold virtual classes until the school year ends, but Monrovia educators are still holding on to the chance they could see their students in a graduation ceremony.

The school’s principal, Mike Springer, says their staff organized a cap-and-gown pickup to keep hopes alive. “Students drove through and we delivered their caps and gowns and announcements to them in their cars,” Springer said.

Many students had already paid for the caps and gowns from the Jostens company, and Monrovia High School staff wanted to make sure they still had the experience of picking up their graduation gear.

While the the kids pulled up to grab their graduation gear, Springer says, the staff couldn’t help but appreciate the short moments they could share with the students.

“It was just great to see their faces again,” Springer said.

Springer says the Class of 2020 will remembered in history for everything its members went through because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the principal still wants the students to go out on a good note.

“I want them to know that we’ll do every thing in our power to give them a proper celebration and commencement,” he said.

Springer says if restrictions lessen within the next couple months, they hope to give their seniors a ceremony in June or July. Their last-ditch effort would be to resort to a virtual graduation.

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