Austin ISD seniors pick up caps and gowns ready for virtual, in-person graduations

AISD distributes caps and gowns to students

AISD is planning to honor students with both a virtual and an in-person graduation ceremony.

AUSTIN, Texas - Graduation is right around the corner and most schools have postponed the big ceremonies while others are opting to honor students virtually. Austin ISD plans to do both.

On Wednesday, Eastside Memorial High School seniors lined up inside their cars for cap and gown curbside pick-up. Principal Miguel Garcia described it as a momentous occasion.

“Seeing them be able to get that cap and gown and walk across that stage is absolutely huge,” Garcia said. “It's one of those life moments that you are going to remember for the rest of your life. It’s super important for me as a principal and AISD to make this event as important as possible.”

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2020 seniors will be able to wear their gowns and celebrate virtually when school ends and in an in-person ceremony in late August. Senior Melany Rodregues is looking forward to the big day.

“I’m excited because I feel like I finally got to finish my year and that I feel like I’m done. That I got what I wanted and I feel proud of me,” Rodregues said. “I love my teachers, they are really important to me and I wanted to say thank you for supporting me.”

From graduation to fall classes, schools face changes during COVID-19 pandemic

Gov. Greg Abbott and the TEA gave a brief update on the education system across the state during the pandemic starting with graduation for seniors.

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic closed down schools teachers have turned to online learning. Each student within Austin ISD was assigned a laptop. Principal Garcia said it’s been an adjustment but his staff rose to the challenge.

“It’s really about communication letting the parents and the students know that we are here for them,” said Garcia. “A lot of these kids, not just our graduates but all graduates of the class of 2020 you’ve overcome so much already. I can’t wait to see what this group of kids does in the future.”

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