BOZEMAN — Bozeman High School’s class of 2020 got their official sendoff on Sunday.
And the graduation ceremony took place in person at Montana State University’s Bobcat Stadium.
“It feels great because we’ve been apart and away from our friends the whole time, and it’s great to see everyone again” said Bozeman High School graduate, Quinn Vandewalle.
Vandewalle and his classmate Gavin Quebe graduated on Sunday, and they have enlisted into the Marine Corps.
Bozeman High principal Dan Mills says he’s thankful that MSU allowed the event to take place on campus.
“I’m so grateful that we had the opportunity to gather here today,” said Mills.
“I know it’s been difficult for the students, and so to see them come together and see them smiling with each other, see their families smiling with them.”
Student and faculty speakers addressed the crowd, acknowledging the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on students, and recognizing the social unrest happening across the country.
During the National Anthem, a handful of students took a knee while others stood with their hands on their hearts.
The audience was smaller compared to graduation ceremonies in past years, but many students were just happy to be surrounded by their friends and families on such an important day.
“We were all so excited to see each other that it was a cool thing, I’m glad that it happened in person and that there was a ceremony,” said Elizabeth Lee, a graduate heading off to Dartmouth next fall.
Principal Dan Mills says this class of 508 graduates is a unique group, and says they’re bound for success.
“The world is theirs. I'm very confident that they will do whatever they need to do to have successful lives and I'm very proud of them.”
