Gateway High School celebrates 2021 graduates on school's football field

Despite the pouring rain and lightning strikes minutes before Gateway High School’s graduation began, families and friends were excited to see their loved ones walk to receive their diplomas.

Nicole Evans traveled from Florida to see her nephew Kevin Farrar II graduate.

“It’s exciting because we are in a better place to be able to see them graduate,” she said, “They had to overcome a lot to get here.”

Larissa Leuenberger was happy her son Ethan had the chance to have a formal graduation.

“I am glad that we get the opportunity to make it happen despite everything,” she said, “even in the rain.”

The storm stopped just in time for the outdoor graduation on the field at the Walter “Pete” Antimarino Stadium on Tuesday evening. A livestream was available for people to watch from home.

A modified version of graduation was held to speed the process along and avoid postponement of the ceremony. Gateway High School Principal Justin Stephens gave remarks, followed by the school’s valedictorian Sydney Wander and salutatorian Braydon Baxter giving speeches reflecting on the school year and heading to the “real world.”

Afterward, diplomas were handed out to an estimated 280 graduates. Students were all smiles as they walked up to receive their diplomas.

Last year’s graduation was held in the Macy’s parking lot at the Monroeville Mall because of covid-19 restrictions. Though that the experience was different, Stephens said he was glad 2020’s graduates were able to still walk across the stage.

He said he had been looking forward to the Class of 2021’s graduation because the students were able to celebrate it at the football stadium.

“This is probably the most normal experience they have had all year,” he said. “These seniors deserve that.”

Graduates shared the same sentiments after seeing how 2020 panned out.

Danyelle Mccarrison thought graduation would be virtual, but she was glad that wasn’t the case.

“It was a nice moment for us to get back together after everything with covid,” Mccarrison said. She will be heading to California University of Pennsylvania.

Alia Knupp described having graduation in-person as a “dream come true.” Knupp will be attending University of South Florida.

“Who would’ve thought,” she said. “We are grateful to have it in person.”