The COVID Class of 2020

Because of the coronavirus, many high schools nationwide chose to honor their graduating seniors of 2020 with a special and unique commencement.
Blooming Prairie did just that for its 118th graduation in the school's history.
Sunday's graduation honoring 50 graduates was a virtual one. In fact, diploma covers were given to graduates at ceremonies on Saturday.
The actual graduation saw graduates and their parents in cars parked socially distant in the school parking lots. They were listening to the graduation ceremonies on Kat Kountry 104.9.
Paul Shea, director of content for the Faribault and Owatonna markets, said the radio conglomerate did graduations for Blooming Prairie, Owatonna, Bethlehem Academy, Zumbrota-Mazeppa; Randolph; Kenyon-Wanamingo and Faribault.
This year's graduations were very different from what we typically do, said Shea. "We did not put graduations in a box, every one was different, and we celebrated as a community," Shea added.
The entire ceremony was pre-recorded for radio and was also video recorded by Caleb Ostrander.
The commencement program started with a fanfare and processional and singing of the National Anthem by Cortney Espe. Maya Lembke, Student Council representative, gave the opening.
Principal John Worke introduced the speakers: Julia Worke, Valedictorian; Riauna Bishop and Adam Larson, co-Salutatorians and Viridiana Villarreal, Student Council President.
Superintendent Chris Staloch presented the Class of 2020.
Diplomas were presented by Staloch, Worke, Alison Mach, associate principal and Mary Worke, counselor.
Fanfare and recessional ended the commencement. A parade throughout the city then followed.