Seminole State College gives Class of 2020 graduation to remember

With balloon arches, congratulatory signs, applause and honking horns, graduates in Seminole State College of Florida’s Class of 2020 were recognized for their achievements as they crossed the stage during the College’s hybrid, drive-through graduation Dec. 15-16 on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. The College awarded nearly 7,000 degrees, certificates and diplomas to its Spring, Summer and Fall Term graduates.

While the pomp and circumstance of the College’s hybrid graduation was anything but traditional, it was no less exciting. Many graduates arrived with their family and friends in decorated vehicles, giving them a truly personalized graduation experience. Graduates smiled and waved from the stage as their loved ones looked on and honked horns from their vehicles in celebration, and the College’s faculty and staff provided a standing ovation. Then, as graduates exited the stage, they had a formal photo taken in their regalia before re-entering their vehicle to be driven to one of three identical photo areas to take photos and sign a commemorative wall. With precautions such as mask wearing and social distancing in place due to COVID-19, the hybrid graduation gave students a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

“I am so incredibly proud of our graduates!” said Seminole State President Dr. Georgia Lorenz. “I am also so proud of our staff and faculty who dreamed up this graduation and executed it so beautifully.” It was great to see the excitement and happiness of our graduates and their families as students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.”

Seminole State’s Spring 2020 graduates participated in a virtual ceremony in May with the promise of an invitation to the College’s December graduation. With the hybrid graduation, the College kept that promise and allowed graduates from Summer and Fall 2020 to receive formal recognition as well. More than 700 students participated in the two-day event.

View graduation highlights on YouTube and Facebook.