The school year concluded with the much-anticipated graduations for the Class of 2020. While commencement didn’t take place as imagined, YES Prep is celebrating our seniors’ accomplishments in two parts. Commencement Part 1 was celebrated on May 29 through 31, as a virtual celebration and to confirm the seniors’ diplomas. Commencement Part 2 is planned to be an in-person celebration on August 1 and 2, conditions permitting, where students will formally be presented their diplomas.
When you become graduates of YES Prep Public Schools, you prove that you are the toughest class in the history of, and likely the future of, YES Prep.”
Virtual Commencement
For Commencement Part 1, our College Initiatives team hosted virtual commencement for our 13 YES Prep campuses, totaling 1,400 seniors. Teachers and staff celebrated the culmination of the students' seven-year YES Prep experience. This year was also the inaugural year for two of our campuses: YES Prep Eisenhower and YES Prep White Oak. For the first time ever, both campuses had their founding senior class participate in commencement.
YES Prep Eisenhower
In their inaugural year, YES Prep Eisenhower had 119 seniors submit over 600 college applications and were accepted to 390 colleges. The Class of 2020 elected Darius Blanton, a founding student of both YES Prep Hoffman and YES Prep Eisenhower as their inaugural student speaker. Darius has been involved in ROTC for three years and was named Battalion Commander this year. Come this Fall, Darius will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana where he will be studying Biology with hopes of becoming a general practitioner.
As a founding class member, I can say this with complete certainty, the Class of 2020 is a resilient and amazing class to be a part of. Between Hurricane Harvey, constant flooding and COVID-19 spicing up our high school career, and our class bouncing up every time, it is a true testament to the strong will and determination that every student embodies.”
YES Prep White Oak
YES Prep White Oak’s founding senior class consisted of 93 seniors who submitted over 899 college applications and had 406 college acceptances. The student speaker for their inaugural commencement was Chanelle Ferrell. Chanelle was a student council member, advocate, enthusiastic leader and class president. She also played an integral role in the athletics program, having served in varsity volleyball and basketball teams. In the Fall, Chanelle will be attending Prairie View A&M, studying political science and minoring in history.
Most people who graduate from high school only experience one graduation, and we are fortunate enough to experience two. Thanks COVID-19! We’ve already shown our commitment to personal growth by finishing strong and making it to graduation. As we continue our lives separately, let us take on each new problem with confidence, knowing that we achieved great heights and are equipped with the necessary tools to tackle our futures.”
2020 Commencement Ceremonies
If you haven’t already, we invite you to click here in order to view this year’s virtual commencements.