Tulsa announces drive-up graduations for class of 2020

(TULSA, Okla.) After careful consideration and conversations with students, parents, and teachers, Tulsa Public Schools has made the decision to hold school-based “drive-up” graduations for the class of 2020. These alternative graduations will take place during the week of May 18-May 22 at each school site. In conversations with representatives from the class of 2020, students identified the three most important elements of a graduation ceremony that they would want to re-create within current health and safety restrictions: Wearing their cap and gown; Picking up their diploma; and Turning the tassel on their mortarboards.

“While we would all prefer to hold a traditional celebration, the ‘drive-up’ graduation includes the elements that we know matter most to our seniors,” said Superintendent Deborah A. Gist. “This is not, of course, how any of us expected to celebrate the class of 2020, but our school leaders, class sponsors, teachers, and staff are looking forward to creating a meaningful experience for our graduates even if it’s from a distance!” Gist said that the district hopes to also hold traditional graduation ceremonies in July if social distancing restrictions are lifted and if the Centers for Disease Control advises that it is safe to hold large gatherings. Tulsa Public Schools anticipates making a decision about whether to hold traditional ceremonies in early June. The district will kick off graduation week on Sunday, May 17 by lighting up the University of Tulsa’s stadium, OKEOK Field, and every stadium within the district at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time) for 20 minutes and 20 seconds to recognize the Class of 2020. Starting on Tuesday, May 19, all Tulsa Public Schools drive-up commencements will take place at each individual high school campus. See the full schedule of ceremonies below: May 19, 2020 (Tuesday) 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Webster High School 1919 W. 40th St. Tulsa, OK May 19, 2020 (Tuesday) 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. East Central High School 12150 E. 11 St. Tulsa, OK May 20, 2020 (Wednesday) 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Booker T. Washington High School 1514 E. Zion St. Tulsa, OK May 20, 2020 (Wednesday) 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Will Rogers College High 3909 E. 5th Pl. Tulsa, OK May 20, 2020 (Wednesday) 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Central High School 3101 W. Edison St. Tulsa, OK May 21, 2020 (Thursday) 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. McLain High School 4929 N. Peoria Ave. Tulsa, OK May 21, 2020 (Thursday) 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Nathan Hale High School 6960 E. 21st St. Tulsa, OK May 21, 2020 (Thursday) 4 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Memorial High School 5840 S. Hudson Ave. Tulsa, OK May 22, 2020 (Friday) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tulsa Learning Academy 525 E. 46th St. N. Tulsa, OK May 22, 2020 (Friday) 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Edison Preparatory High School 2906 E. 41st St. Tulsa, OK May 22, 2020 (Friday) 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tulsa MET 6201 E. Virgin St. Tulsa, OK The district is strongly encouraging individuals to follow the City of Tulsa’s guidelines and wear a mask while participating in the drive-up graduations. While on campus, students and parents should remain in their cars and until they arrive at the diploma pick up spot only. Individuals who do not follow health and safety protocols will be asked to leave the school campus. BRIGHT LIGHTS, BRIGHT FUTURE The district will kick off graduation week on Sunday, May 17 by lighting up the University of Tulsa’s stadium, ONEOK Field, and every stadium within the district at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time) for 20 minutes and 20 seconds to recognize the Class of 2020. Also, as a special way to show support of this year’s senior class, Tulsa Public Schools invites the community to step outside their residence from 8:20 to 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, May 17th, and recognize all senior students during a district-wide standing ovation. For more information on the Tulsa Public Schools Class of 2020 visit www.tulsaschools.org/seniors.