Since the class of 2020 won’t get a typical graduation ceremony because of closures due to COVID-19, Bend-La Pine Schools is honoring graduating high school seniors on five billboards around Central Oregon.
Starting Monday, the billboards honoring the graduating classes of five of the district’s high schools will feature photos of each senior.
“We wanted to do something bold and highly visible to recognize the more than 1,200 seniors who are graduating from our high schools this June,” said Shay Mikalson, BLPS superintendent in a release Friday. “When the opportunity arose to congratulate each high school’s graduating class on a 24-foot wide billboard, we knew we wanted to do it.”
Here’s where you can find the billboards:
Bend Senior High School – SE Ninth Street at Wilson Avenue (May and June)
Bend Tech Academy at Marshall High School – SE Third Street at the underpass (May and June)
La Pine High School – Highway 97 at Moonlight (May) and Highway 97 at Wickiup Junction (June)
Mountain View High School – *Updated Highway 20 at Bend Parkway (May and June)
Summit High School – Butler Market Road at the railroad crossing (May and June)
“These students deserve to be celebrated for their accomplishments and we look forward to our community joining us as we honor each member of the Class of 2020 with this fun showcase,” Mikalson added. “Seniors, when you see these signs – know that we are proud of you and are thinking of you!”
This article appears in Mar 25 – May 20, 2020.
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So where exactly on Purcell & HWY. 20 again is the MVHS recognition billboard??? Because it’s nowhere on Purcell or HWY. 20. I’m usually really good with seeing signs especially when I’m a long haul truck driver professionally
Gary — Found it! It’s actually at the intersection of Greenwood (Hwy 20) and Hwy 97/the Bend Parkway. I guess their press release had the wrong location?