When the global COVID-19 pandemic hit, the lights went out in Georgia. Schools and businesses were shuttered. Tennis courts and ballfields went dark.
Now, in a symbolic show of support for the Class of 2020, Habersham Central High School is turning back on the lights.
The Habersham Central Athletic Department will turn on the lights in Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy, Georgia, at 8:20 p.m. every Friday through the last day of school on May 22. The tribute is in honor of the seniors at Central and the Success Academy. The lights will remain on for 20 minutes.
The symbolism lies in the numbers. When converted to military time, 8:20 p.m. becomes 2020.
“This small gesture in addition to other senior events planned between now and graduation day will bring appropriate attention and awareness to the great Habersham Central Class of 2020,” says HCHS principal Jonathan Stribling.
Now Habersham will carry the tribute live here each week and on the Now Habersham Facebook page
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Graduation plans
While they’ve lost out on many of the traditional milestones of their senior year, Central’s graduating class is looking forward to a traditional graduation ceremony.
The school announced last week it will hold graduation at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 31 in Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy. If a traditional ceremony is not possible due to COVID-19 concerns, graduation will take place in a virtual format that same evening.
