MBHS graduates Class of 2020 

Mountain Brook High School usually holds graduation in May at Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center. This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic mandated a change in plans.

On Friday, June 5, MBHS graduated the Class of 2020 during a ceremony held at Spartan Stadium. Principal Philip Holley said the event exceeded his expectations.

“I’m really proud of the seniors for everything they’ve gone through since March 13 and how they’ve handled it,” Holley said. “To see them walk across the stage and be able to hand them their diploma — when two months ago we weren’t even sure if we were going to be able to do that — I’m really excited for them.” 

The 343 graduates wore face masks and practiced social distancing by sitting in chairs placed six feet apart on the school’s football field. After speeches from classmates Johnny Nathan and Ben Harris, all graduates walked across a stage stationed on the track to receive their diplomas. 

The MBHS Class of 2020 boasts 19 Honor Graduates and 21 National Merit Finalists. Next school year, the new graduates will attend 62 colleges in 24 states and two countries. 

“I love this group and am really happy for them,” Holley said. 

MBHS live streamed graduation on the Mountain Brook Schools Facebook page so that family members and friends unable to attend could tune in remotely. A recording of the ceremony is now available. 

Those who view it will notice one perk of an outdoor graduation. Once the graduates picked up their diplomas and sang the MBHS alma mater, they watched fireworks color the night sky. 

It was a memorable finale to a school year unlike any other. 

“For all the work we put into it, and to see it finally come to fruition, it was great,” Holley said. “I am so proud of everybody that pitched in to help get it together and come up with this plan.”