Watonga Celebrates 2020 Graduates with Unconventional Weekend Fun

When the Class of 2020 talks about their graduation, it won’t be like any other in Watonga High School’s history.

The graduates were treated to a townwide party, complete with a cruise around town, just like back in the day. They were fed for free by Hideaway barbecue and given snow cones courtesy of Travis Daugherty.

Saturday dawned bright, clear and hot. Students arrived and gathered under the shade provided by the new home stands where they combed their hair, adjusted their cap or gowns, straightened the shawls that proclaimed they were valedictorian or salutatorian or the cords from various honor organizations. They wore high heels and running shoes, sandals and wingtips.

One by one they entered the stands to “Pomp and Circumstance” and when seated heard recorded addresses from the valedictorians. Every speech mentioned that their experience was not as anticipated, but none was angry or bitter.

The graduates left the seats as their names and those of their parents were read aloud. They paused briefly to pick up their diplomas off a table and exited to the congratulations of the school board members and superintendent.

Once on the track, the class members turned their tassels and then in the traditional salute, tossed their caps into the air. Then in a few short steps they could join family and friends who had gathered on the football field to watch the ceremony.

Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com