TOLEDO, Ohio — The first day of a week-long celebration for Toledo Public Schools graduates started Monday.
It was a big day for the district and the 2020 graduates as drive-thru ceremonies began.
"I'm sad we missed prom, senior week, all of it. It's tragic," graduating senior Kayla Huffman said.
As the 2020 seniors of Rogers High School drive up to the Stranahan Theatre, they reflect on all the activities they missed out on this year.
There's still one they were able to participate in graduation: with a twist, a drive-thru ceremony.
It's something Principal Trudie Neely says she is proud they were able to keep.
"That was just one more piece that we didn't have to take away from them. Is having that family piece. So just knowing that their families can be here, just knowing that they are going to be able to physically be honored is just a wonderful thing," Neely said.
A drive-thru celebration is not how many imagined their year would end, but it's the closure students and staff wanted.
"I'm kind of happy, but I'm kind of sad. In the same instance it was nice that they got to do this for us. I just wish we would have had a regular graduation how it was supposed to go," Huffman said.
Rogers Athletic Director Harold Howell said emotions were high for him and he wouldn't have missed it for anything, especially after not seeing his students for more than two months.
"I know I've already tried to prepare myself mentally for some of the guys that I've gotten really close with through the season and the fact that it got cut short," Howell said.
He says it's good they are able to have that one-on-one moment to celebrate a big accomplishment.