Harrison School District 2 holds drive-thru celebration for graduating seniors

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Harrison School District 2 in Colorado Springs is holding "drive-thru" style graduation ceremonies for seniors.

Seniors from Sierra High School were the first to celebrate Thursday morning. Cars filled with supporting family and excited graduates entered the school parking lot as teachers and staff cheered them on.

Upon entering the parking lot, parents first filled out a waiver form with questions about symptoms and complying with social distancing guidelines.

Nicole Schurbon, the principal for Sierra High, said the school district worked closely with El Paso County Public Health to make this event happen.

"It's a mix of emotions because this is not how we thought we would be spending today," Schurbon said. "But we are happy to still be celebrating and there are lots of tears of joy today."

Each student took turns exiting their car and picked up a diploma. A photographer would then take a couple of pictures and the senior would rejoin their family inside the car.

Graduating senior Drew Girling said she was grateful for the district leaders trying to make the most of students' graduation despite the circumstances.

"They're doing a really good job about it," Girling said. "They're making sure the seniors are feeling loved and supported and that they are special."

Schurbon said there are three high schools in the Harrison District with about 150 seniors graduating this year.

Nevaeh Garrison says she's planning on going to college in the fall. Her mother Joann Sanchez says she's extremely proud of Garrison.

"It's the next step in her life," Sanchez said. "A chance at being an adult. A chance for her to go into womanhood and now she has to look at her future and be the best that she can be."

Two other D2 high schools will also have a drive-thru celebration on the following dates:

• Career Readiness Academy (2250 Jet Wing Drive) -- Thursday, May 21 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Harrison High School (2755 Janitell Road -- Friday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.