Lamar High’s graduation at AT&T Stadium gets high marks thanks to Jerry Jones
Nearly 50 graduations were scheduled for Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers.
The Arlington Independent School District wanted to go even bigger.
That’s when Jerry Jones stepped in.
Over 700 seniors graduated from Arlington Lamar High School at AT&T Stadium Friday afternoon, the first day for 2020 ceremonies at Jerry’s World due to the novel coronavirus.
“Well, this isn’t quite what we expected, but here we are. We made it,” valedictorian Jenna Losh said. “Far different than I think any of us could have imagined, but we made it nonetheless.”
Lamar was the first of seven Arlington schools to graduate at AT&T Stadium this weekend, but second of three on Friday. Dallas Jesuit and Highland Park also held their ceremonies.
Arlington, Seguin and Martin held their graduations there on Saturday. Arlington Collegiate, Bowie and Sam Houston will have their ceremonies on Sunday.
By Sunday night, more than 5,000 students will have crossed the stage.
“We would not be here today without the generosity of the Gene and Jerry Jones family foundation, in an act of great kindness,” Lamar principal Andrew Hagman said. “They donated this graduation service for our students and families, and we are beyond grateful.”
The 730 Lamar graduates, along with facility were seated across the football field — six feet apart to practice social distancing. Families were spread out in the stands.
Students were given school-branded masks. Masks were recommended, but not required for family.
Jerry Jones gave a one-minute speech on the jumbotron.
“Today is very special day. You’re here at AT&T Stadium because we are living in the most interesting and challenging of times. We salute you for your success. We wish you the very best and we’re honored to share this wonderful ceremony with you today. Hats off to the class of 2020,” he said.
Each person that entered the stadium was subject to a temperature screening and asked specific questions related to COVID-19, such as having symptoms or being around someone that has showed symptoms within the past month.
Hand sanitizer stations were placed along the main concourse.
Before students walked across the stage, they handed name cards to an announcer, who wore gloves and stood behind a podium and a plexiglass barrier. Students picked up their diplomas on a table before stopping to take a photo and returning to their seats.
The ceremony lasted just over 90 minutes.
“It was organized and intentional. They really wanted us to have our dream graduation experience and I thought it went exceptionally well,” class president Mia Paladini said. “Even without any practice, we were able to run it smoothly. I’m so thankful I got to give my speech too.
“It means the world that I am chosen by my class to reflect them and be the voice for them.”
During the morning graduation, 255 students graduated from Jesuit, a boys college-preparatory school. The son of Dallas Cowboys hall of famer Emmitt Smith, EJ Smith, one of the graduates and a 4-star running back bound for Stanford, took a knee during the national anthem to protest social injustices.
Among the Highland Park graduates was Paxton Alexander, the grandson of Jerry Jones.
This story was originally published June 6, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
