How to show support for State High, St. Joe’s seniors as part of ‘Light Up the Night’
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has taken away the normalcy of graduation for high school seniors in 2020, as their final year of class came to an abrupt halt and in-person ceremonies across the country have been canceled.
Despite the pandemic, the State College community still has plans to honor the Class of 2020 from State High and St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy.
The town will take part in State College Light Up The Night, a community-wide effort to recognize this year’s graduating class and support the nurses, doctors, medical providers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State College Area School District will light up some of its athletic fields and facilities Wednesday night at 8:20 p.m., 20:20 hours in military time, and the scoreboard will show 20-20 in honor of the graduating class, according to a press release. The down-and-distance will be listed as 4th-and-19 to represent the ongoing work of medical providers and first responders to stem the “drive” of COVID-19.
State College Athletic Director Chris Weakland said the celebration is a small way to pay tribute to the groups being honored.
“In these unprecedented times, we have so much to be thankful for and it is important to recognize and celebrate those groups and people that make our community remarkable,” Weakland said in a release. “The Class of 2020 is worthy of special recognition for all that they accomplished and endured. We also want to take this time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our first responders and medical personnel.
From 8-9 p.m., Forever Media State College will broadcast a Light Up The Night program on MAJIC 93.7, featuring special guests including the senior class president, State High team captains and local medical personnel and first responders. The State High marching band will perform, and community members such as Spikes General Manager Scott Walker will offer messages of support.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy will also take part, along with several other community business and organizations. The State College Little League, State College Teener League, Tussey Mountain Ski & Recreation, State College Spikes and Penn State Athletics, as well as the Ferguson Township, Patton Township, Penn State and State College police departments; the Alpha, Boalsburg and Port Matilda fire companies; Centre LifeLink EMS and Mount Nittany Medical Center will all be participating in the event.
The Spikes will light up Medlar Field at Lubrano Park and will also display the 20-20 score.
Supporters are encouraged to illuminate their homes and post photos on social media of their support, but will not be permitted on school property or at school facilities during the event.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 5:11 PM.
