Local high school gets creative to celebrate Class of 2020

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. — The Class of 2020 missed out on grad bash, prom and even spending time on campus with friends.

Ava King, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School, said freshman year is when she started dreaming about her graduation day.

She remarked, “My sister was a senior. I got to watch her walk across the stage and I wanted to do that too.”

It’s a wish that the coronavirus squashed for students in the St. Johns County School District.

Ponte Vedra High School Principal, Fred Oberkehr, told Action News Jax, “It’s tough on this senior class. It’s unfortunate that these are the circumstances we’re in.”

The school hosted a drive-thru bash on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to celebrate students.

“We decided to have our Shark Senior Week on wheels,” explained Oberkehr.

It allowed students to return textbooks, receive their diplomas and say goodbye – while maintaining social distance.

The principal said, “We take it to heart just as much as they do. This is the culmination of what we do at a high school. We hope that in some small way we can show our appreciation for their hard work and all they’re going to do.”

King didn’t imagine that type of send-off.

She said it’s something she’ll remember when she’s off at college.

The college-bound student commented, “It’s really nice they let us come over to the school for the last time.”

According to the principal, a celebration will be hosted on campus once it’s safe.

St. Johns County School District’s virtual graduation is scheduled for May 20.

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