Superintendents across Denton County announced Friday plans to host their respective high school commencement ceremonies at Texas Motor Speedway to ensure all graduates at one of their 23 high schools participate in a “unique opportunity” to receive their diplomas.
All school districts in Denton County will celebrate at TMS including Aubrey ISD; Argyle ISD; Denton ISD; Krum ISD; Lake Dallas ISD; Lewisville ISD; Little Elm ISD; Northwest ISD; Pilot Point ISD; Ponder ISD; Sanger ISD and Westlake Academy.
The specific dates and times of each commencement will be announced by each school or district. Lewisville ISD announced that its commencement ceremonies will take place on its originally scheduled May dates — on May 23, Hebron High School’s ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Flower Mound at 2 p.m. and Marcus at 6 p.m. On May 24, Lewisville High School will start at noon and The Colony will start at 5 p.m.
Guyer High School’s ceremony will be held on May 22 at 3 p.m.
“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.”
During the ceremony, graduates will accept their diploma in-person on “Victory Lane” providing a memorable ending to a senior year filled with uncertain times. The large venue allows for the 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 are in high risk categories for contracting COVID-19, or who are currently quarantined, are asked to remain at home and 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 Eddie Gossage, President and General Manager of Texas Motor Speedway. “ 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.”
Texas Motor Speedway will project the Commencement Ceremony on “Big Hoss,” a 12-story, 218-foot-wide video board 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 diploma.
The diploma presentation will be “hands-free” and respect the social distancing guidelines outlined by Denton County Health Services.
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