Texas Motor Speedway to hold unique graduation ceremonies for Denton County schools
Thousands of North Texas high school seniors will have a unique opportunity to receive their diplomas at Texas Motor Speedway, Denton County school district superintendents announced Friday.
Denton County has 23 high schools that will participate in the graduation ceremony that has become necessary due the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Individual dates and times for each commencement will be later announced.
School districts include: Argyle, Aubrey, Denton, Krum, Lake Dallas, Lewisville, Little Elm, Northwest, Pilot Point, Ponder, Sanger and Westlake Academy.
During the ceremony, graduates will accept their diploma in-person in “Victory Lane” providing a memorable ending to a bizarre stretch in which the last quarter of the academic year was moved exclusively online in an effort to promote social distancing across the state.
“We were glad to be able to provide some ideas to our area superintendents on how in-person graduation ceremonies can continue,” said Denton County Judge Andy Eads. “We know this is an important rite of passage for our Denton County seniors and their families.”
TMS allows schools to host their ceremonies on, or near, their original dates in mid to late May and comply with recommended social distancing practices.
Parents and family members who attend will be asked to remain in their vehicles to watch the ceremony live while parked in the TMS infield. Family members who aren’t able to attend, can watch via Livestream.
“A great deal of thanks and appreciation for this program must go to Judge Andy Eads and his staff for their significant efforts in making this idea come to fruition in what was really a very short amount of time,” said Speedway president Eddie Gossage. “A high school graduation ceremony is such an important achievement and lifelong memory for students as well as their families and friends.
“We are honored by the opportunity to support each and every Denton County high school graduate as best we can in these difficult times.”
TMS will project the commencement ceremony on “Big Hoss,” the world’s largest HDTV, to ensure that every graduate is seen by those in attendance, both in-person and virtually. Graduates, wearing academic regalia — in addition to masks — will walk across a staging area to receive their diplomas.
The diploma presentation will be “hands-free” and respect the social distancing guidelines outlined by Denton County Health Services.
Northwest ISD has set their dates and times for May 26.
Steele Accelerated: 8:30 a.m.
Byron Nelson: 11 a.m.
Eaton: 3 p.m.
Northwest: 7 p.m.
“We can’t thank the leadership of Texas Motor Speedway enough for the ability to use the Speedway for our graduation ceremonies. With the uncertainty of what future health restrictions may be in place in the coming months, we and other area school districts felt using Texas Motor Speedway is the best option for our families,” said Dr. Ryder Warren, superintendent of schools.
“By using TMS, we can keep our promise to our seniors for a true in-person graduation while ensuring there’s plenty of space for attendees to use social distancing. We’re extremely excited to celebrate the Class of 2020 as they deserve to be celebrated.”
Graduating students and their families will receive additional information about the ceremonies, such as arrival times and parking, through school communication.
Additionally, in the coming weeks, Northwest ISD will share any additional guidelines for the ceremonies as health agencies provide their recommendations for social distancing and related health precautions.
