Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy will host a formal commencement service in a parking lot on the campus of Chattanooga State Community College on Friday. The event begins at 7 p.m.
The Class of 2020 includes 32 seniors, all of whom will complete their high school experience by participating in a modified version of this important life milestone. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony will feature comments by CGLA leadership and addresses from the valedictorian and salutatorian.
Following customary remarks, Dr. Elaine Swafford, CGLA chief executive officer, along with faculty and administration, will invite seniors, one-at-a-time, to come to the stage for the presentation of awards. Each student will exit her car and, dressed in cap and gown, walk across the stage, in a procession of one, to receive her high school diploma.
“Our seniors have worked hard and deserve a tribute that is commemorative and unforgettable,” said Dr. Swafford. “The administration asked seniors to help design a recognition that honored their achievements and reflected their character. This event represents a collaboration between faculty, staff, and students.”
Dr. Swafford continues noting that “high school is a singular time that culminates with graduation, one of life’s most anticipated rites of passage. We appreciate Chattanooga State Community College’s hospitality, which affords CGLA the opportunity to comfortably and notably celebrate the Class of 2020.”
"Chattanooga State has a beautiful campus with large parking lots that can easily accommodate a socially-responsible event,” said, Dr. Rebecca Ashford, president of Chattanooga State Community College. “Even though CGLA and the college have a long-standing relationship, this cooperative project is particularly special. Partnering with CGLA to acknowledge academic achievement is a collaboration that decisively underscores the Chattanooga State mission.”
Because of limited space, commencement is open only to the families of CGLA seniors and limited to one vehicle per student. CGLA will livestream the ceremony through the CGLA channel on YouTube. A link to the YouTube livestream will be available on CGLA’s Facebook page and on the home page of the CGLA website, CGLAonline.com.
For more information about the CGLA graduation ceremony, contact, Justin Booker, chief operations officer, at JustinBooker@CGLAonline.com or 702-7230 or Dr. Elaine Swafford, chief executive officer, at ElaineSwafford@CGLAonline.com or 702-7230.
For more information about the CGLA experience, visit CGLAonline.com.