Proviso High School District 209’s graduation ceremonies, like practically everything else this year, were affected by COVID-19, but the pandemic didn’t stop staff, students and their families from celebrating.
On May 22 and 23, the district held drive-thru ceremonies for the graduating classes of all three schools. Proviso West and Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) students graduated on Saturday and East students on Sunday, all through a course set up on the campus of Proviso West in Hillside.
PMSA students walk the stage during their drive up graduation in Proviso West’s parking lot on Saturday, May 22. 
A group of PMSA students await to walk across the outdoor stage on Saturday, May 22. 
Families line up for PMSA’s drive up graduation in Proviso West’s parking lot on Saturday, May 22. 
Families take photos of PMSA students during their drive up graduation in Proviso West’s parking lot on Saturday, May 22.
Graduates were allowed two cars to accompany them. Vehicles wound their way through the campus, directed by district security and staff who congratulated students as they drove past. Students exited cars to cross an outdoor stage, where they were handed diplomas by their principals and congratulated by D209 board members and Superintendent James Henderson. Cars were directed to parking spots in front of the stage to watch. The final stop was an opportunity for family members and friends to get out of their cars to take pictures of graduates against photo drops.
Congratulations to the D209 class of 2021.
