Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostA view of the set-up for ThunderRidge High School's graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostMadeleine Arany wears a mask with her graduation year on it during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents line up to walk across the stage, remaining six feet a part from their peers and faculty, during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents line up six feet a part while waiting to walk across the stage during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostFamily and guests are guided by tape marking six feet between people in the stands who came to celebrate their graduations for the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostA student holds her mask in her hand as she prepares to walk across the stage during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostA student talks among her peers while being seated six feet a part during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents sit six feet a part, some wearing masks while seated, during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents sit six feet a part during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostA student remains six feet a part from his peers and the photographer snapping his photo after he walked across the stage during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostDiann Schultz, faculty, sits alone during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Schultz's husband is extremely high-risk, and she was only able to be a part of commencement from a distance. "I'm so emotional, it breaks my heart I can't be there with my students," she said. "But I feel blessed to be able to be here at all."
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents receive diplomas before exiting the stadium during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostSigns direct family and friends on how to safely enter and behave during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents hug and surround one another after the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents drop off their gowns in a large laundry bin before receiving their diplomas during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostA student takes a photo with her diploma while wearing a mask during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostStudents drop off their gowns before leaving the stadium during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostA student walks by a mask on the ground during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver PostA student holds his diploma while walking to meet his family and friends outside the front gates during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
Rachel Ellis, The Denver Post
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A view of the set-up for ThunderRidge High School's graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.
ExpandBy The Denver Post | newsroom@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
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Getting your player ready...
Students lined up to walk across the stage, remaining six feet apart from their peers and faculty, during the ThunderRidge High School graduation ceremony at EchoPark Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in Parker. While most years schools have months to prepare for commencement, the administration planned this alternative in-person ceremony in two weeks.

















