Proud moments like this one were a common scene at Sunday’s MCSD Class of 2020 graduation ceremony. Graduates walked across the stage to pick up their diploma while families got an unimpeded view of the significant moment.
MCSD Class of 2020 graduates and their families celebrated a major stepping stone in life Sunday at the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse. This year’s unique graduation ceremony allowed families a front-and-center view of their graduate walking across the stage to pick up their diploma.
Sunday’s ceremony was quite different from celebrations past, with social distancing measures in place and free face-masks made available to graduates, families and school staff. Upon arrival in the Roundhouse gym, graduates stepped up to the stage to pick up their diplomas one-by-one; at the same time, graduates’ families stood directly in front of the stage to cheer, clap, and get a clear photo or video of the proud moment.
“On behalf of the Marshalltown Community School District, I want to congratulate the Class of 2020 because I know the diploma you’re receiving today represents years of hard work completing rigorous assignments, papers, and tests, and likely a few nights staying up late to do so,” said MCSD Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte in his virtual commencement address. “It also represents numerous individual, group, and team accomplishments while persevering through personal as well as collective struggles, challenges, and adversity faced along the way.”
He said graduates can feel confident that they have a strong educational foundation from which to launch into their future.
“I am confident that you are leaving Marshalltown High School ‘Bobcat Ready’ – well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, creativity and confidence to successfully pursue your dreams and aspirations,” Dr. Schutte said. “As you go forward today, I encourage you to be passionate about pursuing your dreams, be purposeful in pursuing excellence in whatever life path you choose, and most importantly, take great pride in who you are, where you come from, what you have accomplished and what you have set out to accomplish in the future.
MCSD School Board President Bea Niblock also said students should look confidently toward their future after walking across the stage.
“None of us participating in this graduation ceremony have ever participated in a virtual graduation, nor have we ever been faced with the challenges that a global pandemic presents,” she said, adding three pieces of advice for the young men and women to follow. “One – Be responsible, attitude and behaviors that you choose will pave the way to success; Two – do what’s right, err in the direction of kindness; Three – find something to be thankful for every day, no matter what happens in your life.”
Congratulations to all Class of 2020 Bobcat graduates! We know you are equipped to do great things wherever you go in life!
Check out the photos below for scenes from Sunday’s ceremony.
