By CARTER PAYNE
LAHS Principal

Good Afternoon Topper Seniors and Families,

Los Alamos High School is excited to announce Graduation plans for the class of 2020. 

The feedback from Seniors and their families on our recent survey was clear – our graduates want a shared experience that they will always remember and can be proud of. 

Results showed that many graduates and their families have been hoping, as we have, for a ceremony that very closely resembles past years, even if it needed to be delayed. 

With guidance from the CDC, our state health department, and recent updates to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Order, it became very clear this week that large group gatherings won’t be allowed anytime soon, and we will need to put our alternative graduation plans in place.  

How shall we celebrate together, while maintaining crowds smaller than five and our new social hygiene standards? Senior feedback stressed the importance of the SYMBOLISM of the traditional graduation ceremony, a SHARED EXPERIENCE, the ability to CELEBRATE TOGETHER.

Presentation of Diplomas to Seniors May 27-29

Walking across the stage and receiving your diploma is something that just can’t happen virtually. To be dressed in your cap and gown, be certified as a graduate, receive your diploma, and move your tassel needs to be “in the flesh”.

Feedback was very clear that a “drive thru” diploma pick up just wouldn’t be the Topper way.

You and your immediate household members will be invited to arrive at the school for a meaningful, individual presentation of your diploma.  

Following good social distancing practices and wearing masks, we will have an outdoor presentation of your diploma. We will read your name, certify you as a graduate, present your diploma, and guide you through the tassel ceremony as your household members look on. Be ready to toss your cap in the air as your family cheers!  

Parade of Graduates Saturday, May 30

We will be together as a whole community at 10 a.m. May 30 to celebrate our grads. “Traditional Parades” as we know them are still not allowed under the current order, so we’re creating a uniquely Los Alamos “Lap of Diamond”. 

With everyone’s careful attention to social distancing and new guidance for masks in public, graduates will have a chance to make a triumphant victory lap. Wearing Cap and Gown and chauffeured by a household member, graduates will ride in their decorated vehicles down the main drag in town. 

Family members and members of the community are invited to line the shoulders on both sides of Diamond Drive from the High School to the roundabout to honk, wave, and holler for the Class of 2020 from the safety of their vehicles.

Video Tribute to Graduates Monday, June 8

The LAHS class of 2020 selected teacher speakers, class songs and class flowers. Numerous seniors submitted speeches to present as the Student Speaker. Without the ability to celebrate in the same SPACE at the same time, we are partnering with PAC-8 to put together a video tribute that will capture these traditional aspects of the ceremony for grads to share with each other and for families and the community to celebrate. This video will be shared online to serve as a lasting memory for the class. 

We are all getting used to making new traditions and positive experiences during our new reality.

Detailed plans for each of the events above will be released over the next week.

The first step begins Monday, May 18 as seniors pick up caps and gowns, and participate in our first ever “curbside” end of year senior check out. We look forward to seeing you Monday and starting the celebration!

Here’s to the Los Alamos High School Graduating Class of 2020! Go Seniors!

LAHS Class Of 2020 Graduates