Collinsville High School has announced plans to honor the CHS Class of 2020 with events culminating in a live-streamed virtual ceremony on graduation day, Saturday, May 16, 2020.
Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education President Gary Peccola said, “Even though this year’s graduation experience is unprecedented, it does not make the accomplishments of the Class of 2020 any less impressive. Their hard work should be recognized and celebrated. The Board is looking forward to being a part of this graduation and is very proud of each of our graduates.”
The challenge presented by the current Stay-at-Home Executive Order in the State of Illinois means the 2020 Commencement Ceremony cannot take place in Fletcher Gymnasium as originally scheduled. CHS administration and faculty convened a group, including parents and students, to discuss an alternative plan for May 16.
“Our graduation planning process has been very thoughtful since our graduating senior Kahoks are very important to us,” said Principal David Snider. “Our CHS graduates and their families deserve a fantastic, first-class celebration. I am particularly thankful for the numerous well-intentioned suggestions and ideas shared by students, parents and faculty members. I am excited about our upcoming program, which includes many of those suggestions. I am optimistic our students, parents and school community will enjoy CHS Graduation 2020!”
Collinsville High School will live-stream a “virtual” graduation ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020 – the same time as the originally scheduled commencement ceremony. Family and community members can watch it on CUSD 10 Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as CUSD 10 and Tomahawk Studios’ YouTube channels.
Much attention has gone into making the virtual ceremony as true to traditional CHS graduations as possible. Music is provided by the Kahok Band. Speakers include Board of Education President Gary Peccola, Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, Principal David Snider, 2020 Alumni Achievement Award Recipient Albert Hrubetz III, CHS Student Council President Anna Weil, Class President Micayla Klein, Vice-President Paige Bauer, and top ranked seniors Claire Ross, McKenna Laing and Faith Liljegren.
In another nod to what is customary at CHS commencement, CHS Teacher Mark Schusky will read the names of each student as they are honored with a personal moment of recognition.
“I’m honored to again announce the names of CHS graduates this year,” said Schusky. “While circumstances unfortunately force some changes to our commencement exercises, as they have in all aspects of our lives, I know that the Class of 2020 will continue in many of the long and proud CHS graduation traditions. The 2020 graduates have faced daunting adversities with grace and maturity, and I know our graduation program will honor and celebrate them in the way the Class of 2020 graduates deserve, while maintaining the best traditions of CHS graduations past, present and future.”
Diploma Pickup Celebration
Following the commencement live-stream, the celebration continues as graduates are invited (alphabetically by last name) to drive through the CHS campus – in cap and gown – to pick up their diplomas, have a commemorative photo taken, receive a shirt from the 2020 Executive Board, and be celebrated by CHS and CUSD 10 faculty/dignitaries spread along the route.
Out of respect for social distancing rules, participation in the Diploma Pickup Celebration will be tightly coordinated. One vehicle per graduate is allowed to enter the campus through the NW entrance by Kahok Stadium. Graduates must be passengers in the vehicle – not the driver – to expedite the process. ONLY THE GRADUATE may exit the vehicle at the appointed time.
Each graduate will receive their diploma and have a professional photo taken by Kabance Photography. Everyone who participates in this portion of graduation will receive a class composite and individual 5×7 photo in the mail provided by CUSD 10. Kabance will also send parents photo options to purchase photo packages as offered in previous years.
Graduates in vehicles should arrive at NW entrance at the following times:
A – B: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
C – F: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
G – I: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
J – L: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
M – O: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
P – Sm: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
So – Z: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Collinsville Police Department is assisting with traffic control and other duties to ensure the Class of 2020 and their families have a respectful and safe experience. The public is asked to refrain from visiting the area surrounding Collinsville High School from 12:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. that day so our graduates can access the campus without difficulty.
For the schedule and instructions, visit the Celebrating the Class of 2020 webpage.
Honors Convocation May 13, 2020
On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, Collinsville High School will present the Class of 2020 Honors Convocation virtually at 7:00 p.m. in a live-stream on the CUSD 10 Facebook and Instagram pages, and CUSD 10 and Tomahawk Studios YouTube channels.
Like 2020 Graduation, Honors Convocation will mirror the school’s traditional Honors Convocation ceremony. Students will be recognized for achievement during the 2019-20 school year, including awards and scholarships earned. The event will be hosted by CHS Teacher Mark Schusky and include remarks from Collinsville High School Principal David Snider and Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.
Celebrations and Surprises
Kahok Nation and its communities are planning special ways to honor the Class of 2020 during graduation week. Please watch CUSD 10 social media for announcements and information. #2020Kahoks
While the conclusion of the 2019-20 school year is occurring under unforeseen, historic circumstances, Collinsville High School is committed to giving the Class of 2020 and their families fond memories of this momentous time in their lives. “Once a Kahok, Always a Kahok” and “The Kahok Way” are not merely hashtags or slogans in CUSD 10, they represent who we are and how we honor each other as a school community.
Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich expressed this sentiment:
“The Collinsville High School Class of 2020 has excelled throughout their high school careers. Their academic accomplishments, competitive fire and commitment to service have brought great pride to their families, our Kahok family and our communities. While their days at CHS are coming to an end far different than those of past graduates, their success and accomplishments shine as bright as any previous graduating classes. We are excited about what the future holds for the CHS class of 2020 and look forward to seeing them thrive in the years to come!”