Rangeview High School Graduate Michael Troche Ramos (right)
APS seniors, we salute you. In the face of a global pandemic, you have remained resilient. You have spent the majority of your lives in school preparing for the ultimate academic milestone—graduation. Across the world, a collective heartache has been felt as the Class of 2020 forgoes celebrating this accomplishment in the ways you had always imagined.
Today, and throughout this history-making year, we honor and celebrate you.
We are proud of every Aurora Public Schools Class of 2020 graduate who worked diligently to earn a diploma and/or certificate. Whether you plan to enter the workforce, pursue higher education or serve our country in the armed forces, we know you will leave your mark on the world.
"The Class of 2020 was never meant to be just a normal class,” said Alli Powell, Rangeview High School Student Body President and Class of 2020 graduate. “We were never meant to go down the same road as all the other classes.”
As you begin to venture down your own paths, we are happy to know that many of you will have financial support. So far, the APS Class of 2020 has earned more than $15 million in scholarships! This includes one Boettcher and five Daniels Fund scholars.
APS hopes to host in-person graduations at a time when it is considered safe. If guidance from health officials allows, each high school may hold a Class of 2020 commencement at the school site or nearby location. We will share more information about this possibility in the coming weeks.
Seniors, we hope the challenges you have faced give your class a unique sense of camaraderie. Despite the unforeseen circumstances, you made it! Please know that the entire APS community is impressed and inspired by your desire to overcome and your will to succeed. We wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.
In a video titled “Leaving Stronger than you Entered,” APS Class of 2020 leaders share their senior sentiments. Watch this touching production below!