Richardson ISD to hold monthslong celebration of seniors, virtual graduation

A monthslong worth of events to celebrate Richardson ISD seniors will culminate with an online graduation ceremony, Superintendent Jeannie Stone said at the April 20 board meeting.

The decision comes after Gov. Greg Abbott announced April 17 the decision to close schools across Texas for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Stone said she heard from teachers and parents that seniors are in a “period of grieving” for milestone events, such as prom and graduation. As a result, the district is committed to making the rest of the school year special for seniors, Stone said.

“[It will be] a time of community celebration that we have never seen before,” Stone said.

Events will include lighting stadiums with school colors as well as placing signs in the yards of seniors’ homes.

The district will hold a virtual graduation ceremony May 30; however, it is asking families to keep July 20 open as a tentative date for an in-person ceremony, in the event that large gatherings are allowed at that time.

Principals at RISD’s four high schools will announce a full lineup of events Friday, April 24.