Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District recently held its 2020 graduation ceremonies for all four high schools at the Richard R. Flores Stadium.
Edinburg CISD hosted the outdoor in-person event over a four-day period to honor the Class of 2020. It had been nearly 30 years since Edinburg CISD held a commencement ceremony at the stadium.
“The coronavirus pandemic threw us all a curveball,” said ECISD Interim Superintendent Gilbert Garza Jr. as he addressed the graduates. “Sometimes in life that’s what happens. But it is what you do moving forward that will determine your future.”
Approximately 2,500 graduates combined walked the stage at the stadium to receive their diplomas in front of their families and friends.
“I’m excited that we’re actually having it because I know other schools aren’t having it,” said Economedes High School graduate Karicia Salinas. “I’m ready for this next chapter in my life.”
“This is super exciting. We weren’t expecting much after everything got shut down with the whole virus,” said Edinburg North High School graduate Curtis Peña. “Being out here and seeing everyone one last time is so wonderful. It’s so exciting. I’m just grateful for all of it.”
The graduates and their two guests had to follow several health protocols and social distancing guidelines as recommended by local, state and national health officials.
“I’m very proud that we chose this district for our children and our family. This is amazingly very, well organized,” said Deedee Negrete, a parent from Edinburg High School. “It’s sad that we’re in a time where we have to wear masks to enjoy our children’s graduation. But I think Edinburg (CISD) has gone above and beyond to make this a positive experience for us as parents to watch our child graduate.”
All of the seniors wore masks and sat 6 feet apart on the football field while their guests, who also sported masks and practiced social distancing, watched from the bleachers.
“We’re very happy with what the school district has done,” said Orlando Garcia, a parent from Vela High School. “They’ve done an excellent job and an extraordinary job in following all the health and safety guidelines in putting this graduation together for the seniors, the community and their parents.”
