Posted May 29, 2020
Amidst the upheaval of pandemic response measures and a radically changed high school experience, parents and staff of Wilson Seniors plan new ways to mark the graduation milestone and to make up for some of the pomp and circumstance lost to social distancing.
Thursday, May 28, was cap and gown pick-up. Students, some accompanied by their families, drove through the Wilson campus, stopping at several stations to return textbooks, receive their senior class t-shirts and graduation cap and gown.
At one of the stops along the way, soon-to-be grads picked up Trojan Tributes, notes to each student from parents and staff recognizing achievements and providing encouragement for the future. Yearbooks have been delayed, but more than 3,000 tribute notes were submitted for members of the graduating class, including a letter from Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.
Portland Public Schools will host a live-stream virtual prom on June 4 with a DJ and celebrity guests. Traditional Commencement ceremonies will be replaced this year by a drive-through event at Wilson on Monday, June 8, to include a stage walk and professional photography. Social distancing will be maintained throughout the contact-less commencement and school grounds will be closed to the public.
--Valeurie Friedman
Hillsdale parents and students, click to share your pandemic experience.
