TAMPA, Fla. - It was supposed to be graduation day for some high school students in Hillsborough County.


What You Need To Know


  • Chamberlain High School graduation changed because of COVID-19

  • Graduates picked up caps and gowns, took photos

  • Attorney offered up his billboard to honor the students

Their commencement ceremonies have been postponed because of COVID-19.

But students at Chamberlain High School in Tampa are still finding themselves "in the spotlight."

The school held a drive-thru parade to celebrate graduation.

Maria Hernandez is the first person in her immediate family to get a high school diploma.

"My parents helped me and pushed me through it to reach my goal," she said.

Principal Jake Russell said he knew the students' accomplishments needed to be recognized.

He rallied his staff for a big senior send-off. Hundreds of people pulled into the school parking lot with their cars decorated, honking their horns and playing music.

"We threw a party and people showed up. It was exciting," he said.

Graduates were able to pick up their cap and gowns and pose for final pictures with their favorite teachers.

Attorney Dennis Hernandez, who was a member of the Chamberlain Class of 1985, donated one of his billboards to the Class of 2020.

The billboard, which is located at the intersection of Dale Mabry Highway and Linebaugh Avenue, has the names and pictures of the graduates on it.

"My mother graduated from Chamberlain, I have uncles that graduated from Chamberlain, so it's really been a family school," he said.

Hernandez said he wants the new graduates to feel like the sky is the limit.

"There's no limit to what they can accomplish and so I would like them too ee their name up up, their name can be on a billboard, or it could be in a newspaper, or they could be the President of the United States," Hernandez said.

Chamberlain High Schools graduation ceremony has been postponed until July 13.

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