Notre Dame Preparatory is celebrating its senior class with a drive-thru celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14 to mark the day that would have been the commencement ceremony for the class of 2020.

“This is not our graduation ceremony,” NDP principal Jill Platt said in a prepared statement. “That will come in June when it is safe to do so. This is just something fun to do to celebrate these seniors who have dealt with the current crisis with faith, grace, humor and maturity.”

With six feet of space between them, the faculty and administration at NDP will line Loop Road, a small access road near campus, with signs and pom poms to cheer the senior families as they drive down the street. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and his wife Joanne will also be on hand for the processional.

Seniors will receive their caps, gowns and a gift that will be put in their trunk by school staff. Their diploma will be given to them with gloves on so when they get to the school’s chapel, they can hold it out the window for a photo opportunity with Ms. Platt and Mr. Lane, according to a press release.

“We are doing this because we know that there are several students who will be gone in June, and this will be only the time we can truly celebrate them,” Ms. Platt said.

On June 1, three NDP seniors will report for their appointments to West Point Military Academy, one will report to his assignment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and two are enlisting in the armed forces, leaving May 30.

“There will be no speeches on Thursday, but I will announce every senior’s name as they drive past their applauding teachers and our staff,” Matt Rylski, Notre Dame Prep’s director of admissions, said in a prepared statement.

“I was there when these kids entered our school, and I want to announce all the names as they graduate.”