CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – This week, a group of parents and community members joined together to celebrate the CMCSS class of 2020 with Operation Graduation.
Hundreds of seniors walked across the stage to receive their diplomas to thunderous applause at the Clarksville Speedway. A ceremony was held for each CMCSS high school, as well as Middle College and Home School graduate.
In order to assure the safety of those in attendance, temperatures were taken at the gate, and masks were provided upon request.
“I think of everything they have overcome through the school year and everything going on in the world now, the kids deserve just a day of happiness with everything that’s going on, a day where nothing mattered but their accomplishment,” said event organizer Tammy Lee.
“Just to think that complete strangers with nothing in common other than that we have kids and we live here could come together and spend this much time together to pull this off. Clarksville is not like any other place. We have such a tough group of people who have such good hearts.”
Moe Bradshaw of Z97.5 and Beaver 100.3 spoke to Northeast High School Seniors, sharing his congratulations and words of encouragement.
“Always be your absolute best at everything you do,” said Bradshaw. “In your next steps, you are gonna run across people that doubt you. You are gonna run across doubters, haters, people who just don’t see you achieving what you want to achieve. Those people mean nothing to you. You should always go to the top, every single time.”
One thing that all in attendance seemed to agree on was the strong sense of community that allowed students to celebrate their achievements, even in difficult times.
“Remember this moment where an entire city stood next to you,” said event coordinator Shane Chris. “Clarksville has you.”