INSIDER
Brazosport ISD grad not invited back to crown this year’s homecoming queen because of what she wore to graduation
Read full article: Brazosport ISD grad not invited back to crown this year’s homecoming queen because of what she wore to graduationAdministrators in the Brazosport Independent School District have declared that last year’s Homecoming Queen is not welcome to pass the crown, a tradition, due to what she wore to graduation in May.
Colorado teen flouts school policy, wears Mexican and US flag sash to graduation
Read full article: Colorado teen flouts school policy, wears Mexican and US flag sash to graduationA Colorado student barred from wearing a sash representing the flags of Mexico and the United States to her high school graduation did so anyway, partially covering it with another sash. Grand Valley High School graduate Naomi Peña Villasano told a local newspaper she was standing up for what she believes in. School officials had said she would be banned from graduation ceremonies if she wore the sash. She sought a court order against the school, but a federal judge ruled Friday that the ban was legal. Peña Villasano wore the sash on Saturday, partially covered with her Key Club International sash. No one tried to stop her from receiving her diploma.
An expensive graduation: UH-Downtown alum eases burden of cap and gown costs for students in need
Read full article: An expensive graduation: UH-Downtown alum eases burden of cap and gown costs for students in needWith costs rising on pretty much anything, seniors at both college and high school levels are also feeling the pinch from the beast known as inflation.
College seniors missing graduation regalia days before ceremony; Read company’s response here
Read full article: College seniors missing graduation regalia days before ceremony; Read company’s response hereCollege classes are over for Jarel Brown, however, he’s still on the hunt for answers and now it’s graduation week.
Family files lawsuit against Needville ISD after student says he was denied graduation due to length of his hair
Read full article: Family files lawsuit against Needville ISD after student says he was denied graduation due to length of his hairA Needville ISD student said he missed prom, cannot participate in extracurricular activities and won’t be able to graduate because of the length of his hair.
Man stabs cousin during Sugar Land graduation party fight involving several relatives, officials say
Read full article: Man stabs cousin during Sugar Land graduation party fight involving several relatives, officials sayA man accused of stabbing his teenaged cousin during a Sugar Land graduation party on Sunday is now charged in the case.
PVAMU to hold in-person graduation ceremony for Spring 2021
Read full article: PVAMU to hold in-person graduation ceremony for Spring 2021HOUSTON – Spring 2021 graduates at Prairie View A&M University will be able to participate in an in-person graduation ceremony, the university announced Friday. The commencement is scheduled for May 15 in Panther Stadium at 8:30 a.m.PVAMU also announced an additional in-person celebration for 2020 graduates, who had virtual ceremonies because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony is set for May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the stadium. The university will require masks and social distancing at both outdoor events. For those who are unable to join, both events will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.pvamu.edu/commencement.
Meet the 17-year-old who is one of the youngest graduates from the University of Houston
Read full article: Meet the 17-year-old who is one of the youngest graduates from the University of HoustonHOUSTON – A 17-year-old girl is capping off the year by walking across the stage and we are not talking about high school. Salenah Cartier is one of the youngest people to graduate from the University of Houston. “I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston. The University of Houston was the perfect choiceThe University of Houston campus has been a great place for her because the staff is welcoming and many of the students are her friends. For now, she’s starting a masters of education program in the spring at the University of Houston.
Parents of Pasadena crash victim accept her high school diploma Tuesday night
Read full article: Parents of Pasadena crash victim accept her high school diploma Tuesday nightThe entire school honored 18-year-old Destani Oliver by wearing butterfly pins. She was very smart,” said Destani’s mother, Charisse Oliver. Tuesday night, Isaac Oliver proudly described Destani’s accolades and Charisse Oliver wore her daughter’s graduation regalia. Mom’s going to be draped up for her,” Charisse Oliver laughed. I know she will,” Charisse Oliver said.
3 people test positive for COVID-19 after Alief ISD graduations, district says
Read full article: 3 people test positive for COVID-19 after Alief ISD graduations, district saysHOUSTON – At least three people that attended Alief Independent School District graduations tested positive for coronavirus, the district confirmed Friday. One Hastings High School graduate and his guest, who attended the ceremony, tested positive Wednesday. The following day, a staff member, who worked the Taylor High School graduation ceremony, also tested positive for COVID-19. Alief ISD said they have notified all high school parents and staff members. If a staff member tests positive for COVID, the district’s policy is that the employee quarantine for 14 days and may return to work once a negative test result is presented.
Congrats, graduates: Watch HISD’s virtual high school graduations here
Read full article: Congrats, graduates: Watch HISD’s virtual high school graduations hereHOUSTON – While COVID-19 has prevented several Houston-area graduates from participating in a traditional graduation ceremony, Houston ISD is ensuring students are able to be recognized for their major milestone and once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Click on the following links to watch your senior’s high school graduation at 1 p.m.:
Family and friends honor 70-year-old college graduate with touching celebration video after ceremony is canceled due to COVID-19
Read full article: Family and friends honor 70-year-old college graduate with touching celebration video after ceremony is canceled due to COVID-19At 70 years old, Rosa MacDonald-Burns has finally graduated from college. The graduate earned her bachelors of applied technology from Brazosport College. MacDonald-Burns will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional ceremony during May 2021. Until then, her family is celebrating her graduation from coast to coast. In a special video organized by her son, the graduates loved ones are sharing their congratulations to her.
Friendswood ISD graduate, guest test positive for COVID-19 after graduation ceremony, officials say
Read full article: Friendswood ISD graduate, guest test positive for COVID-19 after graduation ceremony, officials sayFRIENDSWOOD, Texas – Friendswood Independent School District officials said they were notified Wednesday evening that a graduate and a guest who attended the June 5 graduation ceremony for Friendswood High School tested positive for COVID-19. The student and the guest were sitting in the yellow section of the stadium, district officials said in a message sent to parents and staff. District officials said both the student and the guest were not showing symptoms at the time of the graduation ceremony, and all individuals who came in contact with them have been notified. Friendswood ISD officials said the incubation period for those who may have been exposed ends on June 19. Students, staff and guests who were in attendance are strongly advised to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and monitor their health, district officials said.
To make a different kind of statement, a high school grad went to a protest in the cap and gown he didn’t get to wear
Read full article: To make a different kind of statement, a high school grad went to a protest in the cap and gown he didn’t get to wearST. PAUL, Minnesota – Deveonte Joseph stood out among the protesters in St. Paul, Minnesota, calling for justice after the death of George Floyd. Instead of a mask or protective gear, the 17-year-old wore his cap and gown -- which he hasn't gotten to wear because the Covid-19 pandemic delayed in-person graduations across the US. Joseph said he decided to wear his commencement garb on Thursday night because he wanted to do something "to put positivity in the world." At first, he and his friends were just taking pictures around the neighborhood, but they saw the smoke from the nearby protest and decided to join in. Brit Lee, the sister of one of Joseph's friends, was also taking pictures and said police officers and protesters were congratulating him.
This is how Katy ISD is recognizing its graduates who enlisted in the military
Read full article: This is how Katy ISD is recognizing its graduates who enlisted in the militaryWith graduating ceremonies beginning June 17, many Katy ISD seniors who have enlisted in the military will miss the long-awaited day due to event postponements as a result of the coronavirus. In order to recognize these brave students, Katy ISD created a special graduation video honoring its class of 2020 military enlistees for their high school achievements and decision to serve the nation. Katy ISD reports more than 80 of its graduating seniors have enlisted in the military, with the majority joining the Army or Marine Corps. Click here to view the full list of students and what branch they’ve enlisted in.
PHOTOS: This is what high school graduations in Houston looked like this week as districts practice social distancing
Read full article: PHOTOS: This is what high school graduations in Houston looked like this week as districts practice social distancingIn-person high school graduations in Houston look a lot different this year. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency, who announced earlier in May that in-person graduation ceremonies would resume if social distancing and health protocols could be followed. Take a look below at how these Houston-area school districts are holding their graduation ceremonies:That’s a wrap for @ClearCreekISD Class of 2020!!! Posted by Conroe Independent School District on Tuesday, June 2, 2020The Cypress Falls High School graduating class of 2020 celebrated its commencement on June 2 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium. #CyFallsGrad #Classof2020 #CFISDspirit Posted by Cypress-Fairbanks ISD on Wednesday, June 3, 2020Clear Brook HS, you were terrific at the 2020 Graduation tonight.
High school graduate loses parents in a car wreck minutes after leaving ceremony
Read full article: High school graduate loses parents in a car wreck minutes after leaving ceremonyMinutes after receiving his diploma Dalton Barnett, 18, lost both his parents in a car wreck after leaving his high school graduation ceremony. Fox 10 reports his parents were killed in a collision with a pickup truck in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, according to Kentucky State Police. According to the report, the driver, Nancy Barnett, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Lyndon Barnett, 56, died at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington. According to Fox 10, the mother wore a shirt to the graduation that read, “Senior Mom: Some people wait their entire lives to meet their inspiration.
Graduation party must-haves you can shop at Kroger
Read full article: Graduation party must-haves you can shop at KrogerThe advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON – While graduations are looking a little different this year, you can still celebrate your graduate’s accomplishments at home. And making it happen it's easier than you think. Clara Campbell, corporate affairs manager with Kroger, shows all the products you need to honor your grad, and gives details on their free same day pick up.
Local dad celebrates daughter’s graduation with some true Houston swag
Read full article: Local dad celebrates daughter’s graduation with some true Houston swagHOUSTON – Seniors across Houston are being celebrated in unique ways, but one local graduate got a truly Houston-style celebration. Bianca Huerta shared a post on Twitter that said “(I) didn’t get to walk the stage, but my dad made sure my graduation was special.”In the video on the post, Huerta showed a parade of one-of-a-kind slab cars complete with swangas, made famous by Houston rappers like Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Bun B.Congrats, Bianca and class of 2020! Take a look at Huerta’s video below:
10 graduation gift ideas all for less than $50
Read full article: 10 graduation gift ideas all for less than $50It isn’t always easy to budget for graduation gifts, especially amid the pandemic and with other holidays that fall during the same season. Here are 10 all for $50 or less that we think the graduate in your life will enjoy. Put together a gift set that includes a laundry basket, detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets and a roll of quarters. Coffee makerA coffee maker is the perfect gift for a recent grad who regularly needs a caffeine boost as part of the morning routine. First aid kitRest easy by giving the gift of safety to your graduate.
Florida student’s photos go viral after wakesurfing in cap and gown
Read full article: Florida student’s photos go viral after wakesurfing in cap and gownCRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. – One Florida student took to the river in his cap and gown to celebrate his graduation, KPRC 2′s sister station in Jacksonville, Fla., WJXT reported. Lyric Oaks, a senior at Wakulla High School in Sopchoppy, Florida, grabbed his wakeboard and shredded to his success in the Ochlockonee River. Elizabeth Birdwell, owner of Elizabeth Birdwell Photography, said it was a blast to shoot. "He loves to wakesurf.... but while in a cap and gown? Lyric Oaks, a senior at Wakulla High School in Sopchoppy, Florida, grabbed his wakeboard and shredded to his success in the Ochlockonee River.
Whataburger celebrates the Class of 2020 with these burger-tastic gifts
Read full article: Whataburger celebrates the Class of 2020 with these burger-tastic giftsHOUSTON – Attention all 2020 graduates: If you passed the mark and have your sights set on graduation, Whataburger has a T-shirt for you. Its Class of ’20 tee is available on the food chain’s website for $19.99 and is made to “show off the ingredients of your success.”The front has the Whataburger logo near the collar line, with Class of 2020 underneath. It then lists the ingredients of the wearer's hard work: "late-night cramming, early-morning alarms, looooong bus rides, pop quizzes & tests, No. 2 pencils, and celebrating four years with plenty of honey butter chicken biscuits." And to top it off, Whataburger also offers a single table tent, mimicking its table markers for free with the purchase of the T-shirt when you use the code “GRAD.”
Matthew McConaughey and Simone Biles to take part in Facebook’s class of 2020 star-studded, virtual graduation
Read full article: Matthew McConaughey and Simone Biles to take part in Facebook’s class of 2020 star-studded, virtual graduationHOUSTON – It may not be the stage, but the class of 2020 is getting a special, virtual, star-studded graduation ceremony hosted by Mindy Kaling and B.J. According to a news release, the multi-hour commencement broadcast honoring the class of 2020 will be live-streamed on Facebook and Instagram. The all-star guest list includes names like Matthew McConaughey, Cardi B, JJ Watt, Gordon Ramsey, Milo Ventimiglia, Usher, Selena Gomez, DJ Khalid and more. Oprah Winfrey will give the commencement speech and Houston’s own Simone Biles and Jennifer Garner will be among those chosen to give words of wisdom to the class of 2020. Click here for more details on the virtual event.
These 9 virtual or ‘drive-by’ graduation party ideas are brilliant
Read full article: These 9 virtual or ‘drive-by’ graduation party ideas are brilliantPlan a little watch party for your son or daughter to enjoy the Facebook graduation. Facebook is celebrating the class of 2020 with a whole week of graduation features, and a commencement program. Highlights and more will be posted to the @instagram account on Instagram, and on contributors’ social media accounts.”Grads are encouraged to host their own virtual graduation ceremony and party via Facebook, with special features including a virtual graduation hub, custom filters, family and friends celebrations enabled by Messenger Rooms, and more. JoAnn Fabric has a whole webpage on how you can make a graduation cap embellishment out of paper flowers. This is a birthday party and not a graduation, but you’ll see the general idea!
Wunsche HS seniors get drive-thru caps and gowns and car parade to celebrate graduation
Read full article: Wunsche HS seniors get drive-thru caps and gowns and car parade to celebrate graduationPublished: May 7, 2020, 12:21 am Updated: May 7, 2020, 7:50 amSPRING, Texas – More than 300 cars lined up outside Wunsche High School in Spring for their senior car parade Wednesday. Many of the cars were decorated with paint, balloons, and streamers with the words “Class of 2020,” “college-bound” and “seniors!”Just about an hour before the parade, the seniors picked up their caps and gowns in a drive-thru set up at the high school. The caps and gowns will be worn by the seniors in their upcoming virtual ceremony. Students say it’s been really hard not having their final spring semester of high school and all the fun stuff that goes along with it. The first car in the parade was the Valedictorian, followed by Lopez as the Salutatorian, then the Top 15% of the class, and the rest of the 2020 grads.
PHOTOS: Students dazzle graduation caps with inspirational messages at Texas Southern University
Read full article: PHOTOS: Students dazzle graduation caps with inspirational messages at Texas Southern UniversityHOUSTON – Graduation is always a day when students and parents are super proud of their accomplishments. Some students took an extra step at Texas Southern University Saturday morning. The graduates decorated their caps with inspirational quotes, bible scriptures and more. Embellishing graduation caps has become a growing trend for many graduates over the past few years. It has become so trendy that some even pay artists to design their caps.