Prairie Home's senior class of 2020 gathered together with friends and family last Sunday to celebrate graduating high school.
The ceremony started with each senior walking into the gym one at a time, carrying two roses for their parents and getting their picture taken together. After they found their seats, the crowd joined them in standing as the National Anthem played.
Superintendent Michele Rex welcomed everyone to the evening's commencement ceremony and gave the seniors some words of wisdom while also joking about taking their senior skip day a little too far.
Senior class president Alex Rhode then took the stage to say a prayer for his class.
Following him was guest speaker and former teacher at Prairie Home Dalton Armontrout, who gave the graduating class 10 rules to follow to be successful with the rest of their lives.
After Armontrout's words, it was time for the seniors to receive their diplomas.
As school counselor Ashlei Kemp, called the students' names, she spotlighted them with their achievements and future goals before they crossed the stage. Once they all hand their diplomas in hand, they stood as one and moved their tassels from the left to the right.
"Due to social distancing guidelines and regulations, our gym was not as crowded as usual, but it was filled with love," graduate and valedictorian Ashlyn Twenter said. "These limitations didn't stop the sense of community that I love about this town. My fellow classmates and I appreciated everyone in attendance as well as those watching from home. Once a Panther, always a Panther."
Before the ceremony ended, a video played showcasing pictures and music for each senior throughout the years, making it even more personal to not only them but their families, as well.
They marched out the gym as the crowd cheered and met in a circle to throw their caps in the air, celebrating everything they as a class and as individuals accomplished.
"I thought graduation went very well," Rex said. "We wanted the family to feel as though each kid got their five minutes of fame. We had a lot of parents who were appreciative of it and allowing us to have a traditional graduation but still following the guidelines that they needed."