Westlake community joins together in honor of its graduating seniors

Westlake officials, local businesses, residents and chamber of commerce members came together in celebration of Westlake High School’s graduating class of 2020.

Eanes ISD seniors wrapped up the 2019-20 school year May 28 with a series of nontraditional graduation events due to COVID-19 closures. The district arranged a socially distant car parade as well as a virtual commencement ceremony.

With support from the city of West Lake Hills, the community was decorated in honor of the new graduates, who have faced several changes, from a postponed ceremony to a canceled prom.

The Westlake Chamber of Commerce rallied a list of local businesses to sponsor celebratory decorations that are showcased at three major city corners, according to Cathy Hoover, the executive director of the chamber. Signs can be seen on the corners of Bee Caves Road and Camp Craft Road, Bee Caves Road and Westbank Drive, and Westbank Drive and Capital of Texas Hwy.

Participating businesses include Amegy Bank, Armstrong Community Music School, Belmont Village Senior Living, Capital Title of Texas, Central Texas Dermatology and Westbank Libraries, among others, according to the Westlake Chamber of Commerce.

Local officials have also stepped up in celebration of this year’s seniors, issuing a proclamation May 27 in honor of graduates across the community. May in West Lake Hills will be known as "Class of 2020 Month" to celebrate all graduating seniors within city limits.

Mayor Linda Anthony said the city wanted to honor those students who have worked hard to push forward to the future and who will continue to rise to meet challenges.

“This milestone for so many needs recognition beyond ribbons and yard signs,” Anthony said.

An official in-person commencement ceremony is planned for Aug. 7 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, according to EISD officials.