Chapel Hill High School seniors experience unprecedented pick up

The symbolic moment of picking up a cap and gown recognizes some of the greatest achievements for graduating seniors. At CHHS, this accomplishment was far from going unnoticed.

Cheers, whistles and sounds of celebration filled the air as seniors drove by to pick up caps and gowns in an extraordinary way.

"We're taking the time where we should be celebrating them during these last couple of months of school, and they're losing out on things like prom and hopefully not a face-to-face graduation ceremony," said Principal Charles Blanchard.

Blanchard says when the school closed in early March because of the coronavirus, many seniors feared it truly was the end of the road for them. Now the Class of 2020 has hope.

"I feel really supported. Although this is a very hard time, I know all seniors are going through it. I now feel like we're kind of a whole community," added senior Jessica Schinsky.

The entire Tiger community is lifting up all 365 of the seniors -- from parents to even siblings dressing the part.

Elisabeth Charney, a junior in the mascot costume and sister of graduating senior, Julia Charney, said, "If me being out here in this hot suit brings some more spirit back, then I'm going to do it," as faculty handed out their final necessities.

Initially, the graduation ceremony was scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2020. The principal tells WRAL News there is a meeting Friday to discuss alternative plans. Whether it's celebrated traditionally by walking across the stage or not, they plan to capture every moment.