Two weeks before socially-distant graduations, the La Joya ISD wanted to ensure every senior was celebrated.
Last Thurs. May 14, the La Joya Independent School District took several buses and vehicles in a Caravan of Hope around the area. Superintendent Dr. Gisela Saenz, LJISD administration and the board of trustees were in tow, making a few stops along the way to congratulate the Classes of 2020.
The LJISD Caravan of Hope pulls out of the parking lot of Escandon Elementary School. Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño
2020 has made for a unique year for the graduating seniors, who have had to spend the last months of their final year preparing for their next chapters in a distance-learning home environment. LJISD aimed to show community support and give graduates recognition for their years of education.
The Caravan of Hope included the messages “We are proud of you” and “La Joya ISD juntos contra el COVID-19,” or “La Joya ISD together against COVID-19.” The board of trustees waved and greeted students through school bus windows, congratulating them early in the event that the usual handoff of their diplomas is paused to mitigate any chance of coronavirus spread.
The commencement ceremony for La Joya High School will take place Friday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. Jimmy Carter Early College High School and Palmview High School will have their ceremonies Saturday May 30 at 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively.
Thelma R. Salinas STEM Early College High School seniors will graduate Sunday, May 31 at 8:30 a.m., and Juarez Lincoln High School will follow at 7:30 p.m.
All ceremonies will take place outdoors at the La Joya ISD Stadium, as per the guidelines laid out by the Texas Education Agency and the office of Governor Greg Abbott.
