While Covid restrictions are lifting across the country, students from Southern California's Snowline School District had such a blast graduating at the top of the chairlift last year, they decided to do it again.
Robert Chacon, Assistant Superintendent of Business for Snowline Joint Unified School District, said the idea came to him from a school on the East Coast. Chacon, who loved the idea, contacted nearby Mountain High Resort, which agreed to host the unique commencement — free of charge.
On Monday, June 7th the lifts at Mountain High will be filled with 200+ graduating seniors for the 2nd year in a row. Graduates consist of students from Serrano High School and local, non-traditional high schools such as Chaparral, Snowline Academy, and Eagle Summit Community Day School.
"The response has been awesome," Chacon said. "Most families wanted an in-person experience, not just a virtual ceremony or a drive-up event. Given the state of things, this is a great way to celebrate their achievements while still practicing social distancing.
The day begins at 9am at Mountain High's East Resort. After a 4 minute ride, graduates and family members arrive at the top where their school principal will greet them with a diploma and congratulatory speech. Students then have the chance to take a photo and enjoy the scenery before heading back down.
Says Karl Kapuscinski, President and CEO of Mountain High, “This is an amazing event and we are so glad we were able to make it happen.”
In addition to the chair lift ride, Snowline School District is producing a “virtual graduation” with photos and video clips provided by the students plus speeches from the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, principal, and Super Intendent.
For more information or to film the graduation, please contact John McColly, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (760) 221-3945 or john@mthigh.com. Follow Mountain High Resorts on Instagram @mthighsnow, Twitter @mthigh and Facebook.
