The Mexico High School Class of 2020 files into Hawthorne Heights on Sunday for a graduation ceremony that was postponed at least six weeks due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. [David Pickering Photography]

While the graduation ceremony Sunday for the Mexico High School Class of 2020 did not have the usual trappings associated with commencement, such as performances by senior class band and choir members, that did not deter the class from celebrating their achievements amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What a spring. This year taught us to never take milestones for granted,” Principal Brad Ellebracht said in his opening address. “We finally get to celebrate with you and watch you walk across the stage.”

Graduation was postponed at least six weeks due to concerns over the pandemic. Students were not in classes since mid-March. Seating for the senior class was spread out over the Hawthorne Heights football field to allow for social distancing. Some students also wore masks.

Seniors only could invite four family members apiece to watch the ceremony from the football stadium and from along the track in social distanced groups. The ceremony also was streamed online.

Most class members were born a year after 9/11 and for the last few months of their high school careers had to learn from home as schools were closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“You have a unique opportunity, and some might say responsibility, to take that perspective into your roles as leaders in your community,” Ellebracht said to the senior class. “We are all shaped by our different experiences. You have lived through a slice of history that is truly unique.”

Following his remarks, Jennifer Silver was recognized by the senior class for her contribution to their education. She was presented with the award by senior class president Emmanuel Hernandez-Sanchez. Silver is the English department chair at the high school.

The Class of 2020 was awarded nearly $790,000 in scholarships and other monetary awards that will be used toward their continuing education post graduation. Students also participated in more than 1,300 hours of dual-credit classes where they received college and high school credit for their work. One student, Cami Donaldson, graduated with both her high school diploma and her Associate’s degree from Moberly Area Community College.

Students wore various cords recognizing accomplishments during their high school careers. Students also were recognized with bronze, silver or gold medallions for cum laude, summa cum laude or magna cum laude honors, respectively, based on grade-point average and ACT scores.

The No. 2 and No. 1 graduates of the class were recognized. The Class of 2020 salutatorian was Kaitlin Paladin, while there were four valedictorians — Kevin Duong, Lillian Mann, Nicole Mann and Lacy Schoneboom. Paladin was selected based on her course of study, achieving the second highest GPA and at least a 26 on the ACT. The four Valedictorians maintained a 4.0 GPA and scored at least a 26 on the ACT.

All addressed their fellow graduates with advice about how to move forward after the uncertainty of the last few months.

“I think we all have learned an important lesson,” Nicole Mann said. “We have learned how to be there for one another and how to stay in touch when being together was no longer an option. Never forget what you already have overcome.”

Students then received their diplomas, moved their tassels to signify they graduated and sang the school’s alma mater song. The ceremony concluded with the traditional tossing of mortarboard caps by the seniors.

nav-oc Naviga Writer 2020-07-13T16:24:22Z false yes NEWS Momex-071520-news-graduation