COVID-19 delayed graduations. Manatee schools plan to shine a light on 2020 seniors

The School District of Manatee County has announced a plan to honor graduating high school seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, before the postponed ceremonies later this year.

A news release — titled, “Shine on Class of 2020” — said that Manatee would activate the lights at six high school football stadiums next week.

Starting at 8:20 p.m. and continuing for 20 minutes on May 14, the district will honor its graduating seniors at the following locations:

• Bayshore High School, 5401 34th St. W., Bradenton.
• Braden River High School, 6545 State Road 70 E., Bradenton.
• Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton.
• Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton.
• Palmetto High School, 1200 17th St. W., Palmetto.
• Southeast High School, 1200 37th Ave. E., Bradenton.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, all stadiums and campuses will remain closed, according to the release.

“However, the community is invited to drive by the stadiums or view from off campus — as well as to join in the celebration by turning on their outdoor lights at home,” it states.

High school graduations would have taken place next week. In an effort to avoid large gatherings and protect students, families and district employees, the ceremonies were postponed to July and August, just before the new school year begins.

As of Wednesday, the school district had five alternative dates scheduled:

• Manatee High School — July 28 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Hawkins Stadium (weather permitting).
• Lakewood Ranch High School — July 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
• Palmetto High School — July 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
• Braden River High School — July 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
• Bayshore High School — Aug. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bradenton Area Conventiona Center.
• Southeast High School — Aug. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

“Having been a high school teacher and principal for many years, I know how important this time is in your lives,” said Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, addressing the seniors in a video last week.

The superintendent said she was blindsided by COVID-19 and the challenges it created. State leaders continually pushed back the reopening date for school campuses, and they eventually moved Florida students to online learning for the remainder of the school year.

Students never returned from spring break, and big milestones in their high school experience — Grad Bash, prom and graduation, among others — were canceled or postponed.

“Have faith, be strong and know that we are all proud of you,” Saunders said. “You are and always will be the Class of 2020.”

This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 12:17 PM.