Lakewood High School seniors celebrate achievement

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Soon-to-be Lakewood High School graduates didn't let a pandemic or a surprise tropical storm stop them from walking across the stage to gather their high school diploma on Wednesday.

While the circumstances may be different than what they grew up thinking they would be, Class of 2020 seniors who chose to participate in their school's virtual graduation ceremony donned their caps and gowns and crossed the stage in their near-empty auditorium.

The moment for each senior was filmed by the school district, and footage will be compiled with student speeches and other commencement moments for a pre-recorded presentation that will be streamed online next weekend. Students were required to wear masks, and they were allowed to bring guests to take their own photos, though there was no congregating allowed.