The Class of 2020 will go down in the history books: the kids who didn't get a prom, didn't get to walk the stage, didn't get all of those fun, end-of-childhood parties. But despite most of life being put on pause, major life milestones did still happen, including graduating from high school. And while this year’s graduation celebrations didn't look typical, Madison's public schools ensured they were special, nonetheless.

Virtual Graduation Ceremony

MMSD teamed up with News 3 Now / Channel 3000 and Madison Magazine to give our seniors a graduation to remember! The virtual ceremonies were held on June 12th and 13th and can be viewed at the links below:

• Madison East High School
• Robert M. La Follette High School
• Capital High 
• Malcolm Shabazz City High School
• James Madison Memorial High School
• Madison West High School

In addition to the virtual ceremony, the district has also arranged for graduating students’ photos to be featured in a special issue of Madison Magazine and on digital, city-wide billboards.

Making Sure Every Single Senior Feels the Love

In an effort to honor the incredible hard work and accomplishments of our graduating students, the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools funded 43 scholarship totaling $44,129 this year, and provided $5,000 across the six high schools to support graduation activities. The district, as well as the individual schools, organized sign distributions, social media tributes, special yearbook efforts and more to lift the spirits of seniors and give them the celebration each and every one deserves.

MMSD created the following video of appreciation highlighting seniors from each high school who embody the spirit of the Class of 2020:

They also created Facebook photo frames for each of the high schools to share with their graduating seniors:

Madison West High School had a special guest on hand to greet students at cap & gown distribution: the new Reggie Regent.  

They have also been posting tribute images and "Regent Spotlight" videos of seniors on their social media channels.

Madison East High School is also taking to social media to celebrate their seniors, including daily posts that recognize senior award and scholarship winners and a video tribute for all student athletes that are moving onto the collegiate level.

They also held a senior item distribution day and will be providing each graduating senior with the "most historic yearbook."

James Madison Memorial High School staff showed the love by putting a heart with EACH senior's name in front of the school.

They also created yard signs for students and held a drive-through yearbook pick-up.

Led by senior Carly McKeon, the JMM class of 2020 has also started a "senior for seniors" movement as a way for them to pay it all forward.

La Follette High School is also leveraging their social channels to recognize their senior award and scholarship recipients, as well as to share graduating seniors' plans for next year.

They also held a very special cap & gown distribution and provided all seniors with yard signs.

Malcolm Shabazz City High School is honoring their graduating class through senior tributes posted on their website and social media pages.

In addition to the items distributed at a yard sign and cap & tassel distribution day, Shabazz is also providing every graduating senior with a yearbook, a "Shabazz 2020 Graduate" t-shirt and a special commemorative packet of Wildflower Seeds - all at no cost.

Capital High is also showing support for their graduating class through Senior Spotlights and other posts on their Facebook page. 

And like the other schools, a yard sign was provided for every senior who wanted one.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020!

Great things are ahead - and the Madison Public Schools Friends & Alumni Network is always behind you! Please, stay in touch!