Class of 2020 celebrates commencement in unique way

Thirty-eight PHS seniors, having completed the requirements for graduation, received their diplomas Sunday afternoon. However, this year’s event was different than any other commencement in the history Postville High School. Due to Covid-19, only the graduates and no more than ten family members or friends were allowed in the gym at a time. Students picked up their diplomas from a table and stopped long enough to pose for a photo. There was, however, no handshaking or hugging. As one graduate left the stage, another group was allowed to enter the venue.

Prior to the awarding of diplomas, a virtual slide-show of all graduates and school activities was shared. The Postville High School Band and Chorus also performed virtually. As “Pomp and Circumstance” was played, the senior portrait of each student was shown. The chorus selection was “Fly Away Home.” The class flower was the white rose and their motto was “Now You’re Seeing 20/20.”

During his welcome, Principal Brendan Knudtson told the graduates they have gone through much and have done a remarkable job adapting to everything they have been faced with since school closed on March 13. He said, “I know you will go on to do remarkable things.”

After his opening remarks,  Knudtson introduced the student speakers, Taylor Rankin, salutatorian and Robert White, valedictorian. 

Read the full article in the May 20 edition of the Postville Herald.