Friday morning, more than 200 signs lined the walking trail at Crosby Commons to recognize Picayune Memorial High School’s graduating class of 2020.
Picayune Memorial High School Assistant Principals Kristi Mitchell and Toni Tucci said the school’s counselor, Ellen Nail, came up with the idea.
Thursday night, seven volunteers went to the park, with the permission of city leaders, to install the 220 signs along the walking trail. All 215 graduating seniors are recognized in the signs, most with their senior portrait. Tucci said the remaining five signs congratulate the seniors and are placed at both entrances to the park.
While Mitchell and Tucci declined to state how much the signs cost the District, Mitchell said a partnership with Barousse Designs and Giaise Studios provided them at a “very reasonable cost.”
The signs will be displayed for as long as each senior leaves their respective sign up. Mitchell said she hopes they will leave them up for at least a week to allow the community to celebrate their accomplishment.
“The signs belong to the seniors, they can take them when they want,” Mitchell said. “They are our gift to them.”
As for a commencement ceremony, Picayune Memorial High School Principal Kent Kirtland said he is developing a plan to hold a modified graduation on or near the original graduation date of May 21. He said he will share more details about the plan once the District’s Board of Trustees approves or modifies his plan during the regular meeting set for May 12 at 5:30.
Mitchell said this year’s awards ceremony will be held virtually via the Internet. The awards night is set for May 14, and anyone who wants to watch can get the invite code from the District’s website or Facebook page so they can stream it live.