GRADUATION

Houston SPCA’s smallest felines are ready for the pomp and circumstance.

College classes are over for Jarel Brown, however, he’s still on the hunt for answers and now it’s graduation week.

A Needville ISD student said he missed prom, cannot participate in extracurricular activities and won’t be able to graduate because of the length of his hair.

More and more students are taking advantage of the opportunity to graduate high school early, mostly a semester early in December or January.

Joshua Geegan, 17, knows he is lucky to be alive.

A man accused of stabbing his teenaged cousin during a Sugar Land graduation party on Sunday is now charged in the case.

San Marcos High School's Class of 2021 celebrated graduation Friday night at San Marcos Toyota Rattler Stadium. Over 430 students graduated. Inclement weather impacted the ceremony as heavy storms entered the area as the event started. Graduation was completed inside the high school's Student Activity Center. Above and below left, students walk into the stadium for graduation.

HOUSTON – Spring 2021 graduates at Prairie View A&M University will be able to participate in an in-person graduation ceremony, the university announced Friday. The commencement is scheduled for May 15 in Panther Stadium at 8:30 a.m.PVAMU also announced an additional in-person celebration for 2020 graduates, who had virtual ceremonies because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony is set for May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the stadium. The university will require masks and social distancing at both outdoor events. For those who are unable to join, both events will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.pvamu.edu/commencement.

HOUSTON – A 17-year-old girl is capping off the year by walking across the stage and we are not talking about high school. Salenah Cartier is one of the youngest people to graduate from the University of Houston. “I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston. The University of Houston was the perfect choiceThe University of Houston campus has been a great place for her because the staff is welcoming and many of the students are her friends. For now, she’s starting a masters of education program in the spring at the University of Houston.

The entire school honored 18-year-old Destani Oliver by wearing butterfly pins. She was very smart,” said Destani’s mother, Charisse Oliver. Tuesday night, Isaac Oliver proudly described Destani’s accolades and Charisse Oliver wore her daughter’s graduation regalia. Mom’s going to be draped up for her,” Charisse Oliver laughed. I know she will,” Charisse Oliver said.

HOUSTON – At least three people that attended Alief Independent School District graduations tested positive for coronavirus, the district confirmed Friday. One Hastings High School graduate and his guest, who attended the ceremony, tested positive Wednesday. The following day, a staff member, who worked the Taylor High School graduation ceremony, also tested positive for COVID-19. Alief ISD said they have notified all high school parents and staff members. If a staff member tests positive for COVID, the district’s policy is that the employee quarantine for 14 days and may return to work once a negative test result is presented.

HOUSTON – While COVID-19 has prevented several Houston-area graduates from participating in a traditional graduation ceremony, Houston ISD is ensuring students are able to be recognized for their major milestone and once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Click on the following links to watch your senior’s high school graduation at 1 p.m.:

At 70 years old, Rosa MacDonald-Burns has finally graduated from college. The graduate earned her bachelors of applied technology from Brazosport College. MacDonald-Burns will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional ceremony during May 2021. Until then, her family is celebrating her graduation from coast to coast. In a special video organized by her son, the graduates loved ones are sharing their congratulations to her.

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – Friendswood Independent School District officials said they were notified Wednesday evening that a graduate and a guest who attended the June 5 graduation ceremony for Friendswood High School tested positive for COVID-19. The student and the guest were sitting in the yellow section of the stadium, district officials said in a message sent to parents and staff. District officials said both the student and the guest were not showing symptoms at the time of the graduation ceremony, and all individuals who came in contact with them have been notified. Friendswood ISD officials said the incubation period for those who may have been exposed ends on June 19. Students, staff and guests who were in attendance are strongly advised to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and monitor their health, district officials said.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota – Deveonte Joseph stood out among the protesters in St. Paul, Minnesota, calling for justice after the death of George Floyd. Instead of a mask or protective gear, the 17-year-old wore his cap and gown -- which he hasn't gotten to wear because the Covid-19 pandemic delayed in-person graduations across the US. Joseph said he decided to wear his commencement garb on Thursday night because he wanted to do something "to put positivity in the world." At first, he and his friends were just taking pictures around the neighborhood, but they saw the smoke from the nearby protest and decided to join in. Brit Lee, the sister of one of Joseph's friends, was also taking pictures and said police officers and protesters were congratulating him.

With graduating ceremonies beginning June 17, many Katy ISD seniors who have enlisted in the military will miss the long-awaited day due to event postponements as a result of the coronavirus. In order to recognize these brave students, Katy ISD created a special graduation video honoring its class of 2020 military enlistees for their high school achievements and decision to serve the nation. Katy ISD reports more than 80 of its graduating seniors have enlisted in the military, with the majority joining the Army or Marine Corps. Click here to view the full list of students and what branch they’ve enlisted in.

In-person high school graduations in Houston look a lot different this year. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency, who announced earlier in May that in-person graduation ceremonies would resume if social distancing and health protocols could be followed. Take a look below at how these Houston-area school districts are holding their graduation ceremonies:That’s a wrap for @ClearCreekISD Class of 2020!!! Posted by Conroe Independent School District on Tuesday, June 2, 2020The Cypress Falls High School graduating class of 2020 celebrated its commencement on June 2 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium. #CyFallsGrad #Classof2020 #CFISDspirit Posted by Cypress-Fairbanks ISD on Wednesday, June 3, 2020Clear Brook HS, you were terrific at the 2020 Graduation tonight.

A teenage girl in North Carolina couldn't attend her high school prom because of the coronavirus, but she still had a special bash thrown just for her by a boy that she babysits. Curtis Rogers, 7, hadnt seen his nanny Rachel in two months because of COVDI-19 when prom finally came around. Curtis had the whole night planned out, from their favorite afterschool snack, peanut butter and apples as an appetizer to using a pool noodle to maintain a safe social distance. Curtis said he wanted to do it because Rachel is so special to him. If you see any good news going down in your neighborhood, make sure to share it with us.

Minutes after receiving his diploma Dalton Barnett, 18, lost both his parents in a car wreck after leaving his high school graduation ceremony. Fox 10 reports his parents were killed in a collision with a pickup truck in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, according to Kentucky State Police. According to the report, the driver, Nancy Barnett, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Lyndon Barnett, 56, died at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington. According to Fox 10, the mother wore a shirt to the graduation that read, “Senior Mom: Some people wait their entire lives to meet their inspiration.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON – While graduations are looking a little different this year, you can still celebrate your graduate’s accomplishments at home. And making it happen it's easier than you think. Clara Campbell, corporate affairs manager with Kroger, shows all the products you need to honor your grad, and gives details on their free same day pick up.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:Yes, in order to maximize social distancing, the district says the ceremonies will be ticketed events, and guests will be limited to four tickets per graduate. Fort Bend ISD says they will not grant requests for additional tickets to the 2020 Graduation ceremonies. The district said ceremonies will also be available to view on Fort Bend ISDs Youtube channel a couple of days following the ceremony. Makeup SlotMonday, June 8, 20208 a.m. Makeup Slot

HOUSTON – Seniors across Houston are being celebrated in unique ways, but one local graduate got a truly Houston-style celebration. Bianca Huerta shared a post on Twitter that said “(I) didn’t get to walk the stage, but my dad made sure my graduation was special.”In the video on the post, Huerta showed a parade of one-of-a-kind slab cars complete with swangas, made famous by Houston rappers like Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Bun B.Congrats, Bianca and class of 2020! Take a look at Huerta’s video below:

It isn’t always easy to budget for graduation gifts, especially amid the pandemic and with other holidays that fall during the same season. Here are 10 all for $50 or less that we think the graduate in your life will enjoy. Put together a gift set that includes a laundry basket, detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets and a roll of quarters. Coffee makerA coffee maker is the perfect gift for a recent grad who regularly needs a caffeine boost as part of the morning routine. First aid kitRest easy by giving the gift of safety to your graduate.

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. – One Florida student took to the river in his cap and gown to celebrate his graduation, KPRC 2′s sister station in Jacksonville, Fla., WJXT reported. Lyric Oaks, a senior at Wakulla High School in Sopchoppy, Florida, grabbed his wakeboard and shredded to his success in the Ochlockonee River. Elizabeth Birdwell, owner of Elizabeth Birdwell Photography, said it was a blast to shoot. "He loves to wakesurf.... but while in a cap and gown? Lyric Oaks, a senior at Wakulla High School in Sopchoppy, Florida, grabbed his wakeboard and shredded to his success in the Ochlockonee River.

PRATTVILLE, Alabama Many seniors aren't getting to celebrate graduation in a way they may have hoped, but for one Alabama high schooler, a surprise was sweeter than any ceremony. Mason Taylor had just received his diploma when his military brother Malik walked on stage for a big embrace. Malik drove 800 miles from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for the big moment. Unfortunately, the Taylor brothers wont be able to celebrate for too long. Malik has to report back to the military while Mason gets ready for collegiate football at Miles College.

HOUSTON – Attention all 2020 graduates: If you passed the mark and have your sights set on graduation, Whataburger has a T-shirt for you. Its Class of ’20 tee is available on the food chain’s website for $19.99 and is made to “show off the ingredients of your success.”The front has the Whataburger logo near the collar line, with Class of 2020 underneath. It then lists the ingredients of the wearer's hard work: "late-night cramming, early-morning alarms, looooong bus rides, pop quizzes & tests, No. 2 pencils, and celebrating four years with plenty of honey butter chicken biscuits." And to top it off, Whataburger also offers a single table tent, mimicking its table markers for free with the purchase of the T-shirt when you use the code “GRAD.”

HOUSTON – It may not be the stage, but the class of 2020 is getting a special, virtual, star-studded graduation ceremony hosted by Mindy Kaling and B.J. According to a news release, the multi-hour commencement broadcast honoring the class of 2020 will be live-streamed on Facebook and Instagram. The all-star guest list includes names like Matthew McConaughey, Cardi B, JJ Watt, Gordon Ramsey, Milo Ventimiglia, Usher, Selena Gomez, DJ Khalid and more. Oprah Winfrey will give the commencement speech and Houston’s own Simone Biles and Jennifer Garner will be among those chosen to give words of wisdom to the class of 2020. Click here for more details on the virtual event.

Plan a little watch party for your son or daughter to enjoy the Facebook graduation. Facebook is celebrating the class of 2020 with a whole week of graduation features, and a commencement program. Highlights and more will be posted to the @instagram account on Instagram, and on contributors’ social media accounts.”Grads are encouraged to host their own virtual graduation ceremony and party via Facebook, with special features including a virtual graduation hub, custom filters, family and friends celebrations enabled by Messenger Rooms, and more. JoAnn Fabric has a whole webpage on how you can make a graduation cap embellishment out of paper flowers. This is a birthday party and not a graduation, but you’ll see the general idea!

Published: May 7, 2020, 12:21 am Updated: May 7, 2020, 7:50 amSPRING, Texas – More than 300 cars lined up outside Wunsche High School in Spring for their senior car parade Wednesday. Many of the cars were decorated with paint, balloons, and streamers with the words “Class of 2020,” “college-bound” and “seniors!”Just about an hour before the parade, the seniors picked up their caps and gowns in a drive-thru set up at the high school. The caps and gowns will be worn by the seniors in their upcoming virtual ceremony. Students say it’s been really hard not having their final spring semester of high school and all the fun stuff that goes along with it. The first car in the parade was the Valedictorian, followed by Lopez as the Salutatorian, then the Top 15% of the class, and the rest of the 2020 grads.

HOUSTON – Graduation is always a day when students and parents are super proud of their accomplishments. Some students took an extra step at Texas Southern University Saturday morning. The graduates decorated their caps with inspirational quotes, bible scriptures and more. Embellishing graduation caps has become a growing trend for many graduates over the past few years. It has become so trendy that some even pay artists to design their caps.