Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the class of 2020 has had to conclude their senior year of high school in an untraditional manner. In the absence of typical end-of-year celebrations such as prom or graduation, communities both small and large have banded together to recognize the seniors’ hard work and commitment to education.

     One of the many organizations that has used its platform to uplift and celebrate seniors is Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Krispy Kreme dedicated a week in May to the class of 2020, and seniors across the nation formed socially distanced lines at their local doughnut shops to get their hands on the limited edition “Grad Dozen” donuts. The special “Grad Dozen” included chocolate-iced kreme-filled, strawberry-iced kreme-filled, cake batter-filled and yellow-iced doughnuts, all decorated to read “2020” in three rows. 

     Many South Lakes seniors took advantage of the special week, taking a moment for celebration in the midst of a global pandemic. When picking up the “Grad Dozen,” seniors were encouraged to come dressed in a cap and gown or any other “Class of 2020” apparel, and students were acknowledged by Krispy Kreme employees.

     “I participated because it seemed like a fun thing to do, and I felt happy being celebrated by Krispy Kreme,” senior Sammy Melideo shared.

     Thank you, Krispy Kreme, for such a sweet gesture to celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2020 during this unprecedented time.