Crowley 2020 graduates light up the big screen at Coyote Drive-In Movie Theater
Blockbuster movies such as Harry Potter, Shrek and Jurassic Park can be seen at Coyote Drive-In Theater this week, but for a few nights high school graduates will also grace the big screen as the Panther Island landmark hosts a few commencement ceremonies.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced high schools across the state to find outdoor locations for those looking to hold in-person graduations, and the Crowley Independent School District was able to move its ceremonies to the nine-year-old movie theater. Crowley High School was the latest to celebrate the Class of 2020 Sunday night.
“I was upset in the beginning when I found out they were having it there, but it turned out awesome. It’s very nice and way better than we thought,” said Lisa Miller, who was watching her son Kevin.
“The kids just wanted [an in-person graduation] to happen,” said Dennis Miller, whose son Kevin was Crowley’s starting quarterback.
Family and friends were parked in front of the venue’s four big screens where graduates were seen walking across the stage, which was set up under the drive-in’s patio.
Each student came through security checkpoints where they had their temperature taken. They were issued a school-branded mask that they had to wear while under the patio.
“I had doubts. I didn’t know how it would work,” said Brandi Roblez, who was there for her daughter Moriah. “I was worried they weren’t going to have one and it would be more digital, which would’ve taken the experience away from them.
“I like the idea of putting them on the screen,” she said. “We are just grateful they came up with a way to make something happen.”
Among the 473 graduates in attendance were the first graduating class from Crowley Collegiate Academy, where students are allowed to take up to 60 credits of college courses starting in the ninth grade. Those students have accumulated $2.5 million in scholarships.
“Imagining this moment is definitely not how I envisioned, but given everything that is going on, it’s certainly a graduation ceremony that should be cherished,” said Bryson Bonds, a student who was a safety on the football team.
The drive-in, which opened in 2011, will host North Crowley’s ceremony Monday night. It hosted Lake Worth High School on Thursday.
Other unique commencement locations this season have included AT&T Stadium, Texas Motor Speedway and Globe Life Field.
