Emma Meiselwitz –photo courtesy the Weill Center

With graduation ceremonies postponed, many community organizations are stepping up to celebrate the Class of 2020. Earlier this month, the Weill Center for the Performing Arts announced seniors could sign up to have their name in lights on the historic marquee for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.

“It gives a good vibe,” said Saul Uribe Jr., Sheboygan South High School Senior of the marquee. “My mom saw other people posting pictures online and we thought we’d give it a try. I haven’t taken any pictures in my cap and gown yet.”

This past weekend, dozens of students donned their caps and gowns not for a graduation ceremony, but to strike a pose under the marquee in downtown Sheboygan. Students wore blue robes from North High School, red from South, green from Lutheran, black from Plymouth, purple from Falls and more.

“We had more than 60 seniors sign up for photo sessions within a matter of about three hours,” said Katy Glodosky, executive director for the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. “It was great to see so many students from the community use the opportunity to throw their cap in the air and celebrate their accomplishments with family.”

Uribe was one of the many students who brought an entourage. His parents and brother, a freshman at South High School accompanied him for the photo shoot. Like many parents, Uribe’s were grateful for the opportunity to capture a graduation moment, but still hope their seniors can have somewhat of a traditional experience.  For North and South high school students, the traditional ceremony includes walking across the stage in Vollrath Park to receive their diplomas.

“I hope he really gets to walk the bowl, but we’re grateful for all the things the community is doing to congratulate our seniors,” said Adriana Uribe, Saul’s mother. “We’ve sent in pictures for the billboards, put out the lawn signs… anything the school or the community has allowed us to do. Hopefully once we have a graduation ceremony, we’re able to do barbeque or something.” 

The Weill Center marquee photo sessions concluded on Sunday, June 7, but special requests may be made by emailing info@weillcenter.com.