A senior planning committee was set to start working on alternatives for Mineola High School graduation and other senior activities Tuesday.

Senior parents and other interested citizens participated in a virtual meeting last Thursday, which resulted in the formation of the committee.

News came on Friday that Texas school students would not return to their classrooms this spring.

Gov. Greg Abbott said that more direction would be forthcoming this week from the Texas Education Agency concerning graduation and other activities.

The University Interscholastic League followed the governor’s announcement by canceling all remaining competitions in academics, music and sports.

Around 90 people took part in last week’s online meeting, which resulted in a 15-member committee including parents, students, school board members and community members.

Superintendent Cody Mize was planning to add more members to the committee.

One of the alternatives he is considering is a graduation parade.

“We would be asking for a lot of community involvement and support if that was the case. I think it could be a really nice event for our seniors though,” said Mize.

MISD will partner with KMOO to broadcast the event and pre-record senior speeches to play during the parade. They will also utilize social media to broadcast as seniors pull up to the stage area to receive their diploma.

Mineola ISD graduating seniors are celebrating their last year of high school in some unconventional ways. While they wait for the chance to celebrate together, many are decorating their doors, taking pictures in their caps and gowns and looking for joy wherever they can.

Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the schools, Senior Brianna Bethel’s whole world was band and FFA. She has found her bright spot at Brookshire’s where she has recently been hired and is enjoying interacting with customers and seeing people she knows.

“Everyone’s worried about prom being canceled and graduation being moved, but these are the days that we are still kids. Once we have that diploma, it’s the start of a whole new world,” said Brianna.

Brianna’s mom, Darla Bethel, says she is worried they won’t have a graduation and if they do, family won’t be able to come since they haven’t been able to send announcements. 

In the fall, Brianna plans to attend Texas Bible College in Lufkin where she will major in counseling and minor in music.

Senior class president Sabria Dean was looking forward to senior week and to “all the good stuff” that happens in the spring of senior year. She says that at first, she was very upset by the school closure, but knows she can’t change it. At this point, she’s kind of used to the changes. 

Sabrina Dean, Sabria’s mom, said that her daughter seems to be taking it all in stride. Sabria has already committed to play basketball at Lamar University in Beaumont, and has found solace in talking to her college coaches and future teammates.

Sabria used to say that she would not be one of those seniors who cry at graduation, but in a recent tweet, she said that she just wants the opportunity to cry at graduation now.

Senior Megan Holt is looking beyond her current situation and gaining insight from the pandemic quarantine. She is thankful for the ability to use technology but says it cannot replace her teachers. 

“Interacting and getting to know your teachers is a part of the process of learning from them. It is fun getting to talk to my teachers every day before they start class.”

Holt also feels that the majority of people are too dependent on technology.

“Even before this pandemic, the majority of the population spent a lot of time on their technology. Maybe this is a realization for them to spend time with people when you have the option to and less on technology. Maybe this is to teach us that crazy changes do happen and it isn’t a fairytale where you are guaranteed a graduation, prom or a perfect financial life. This was a huge wake up call; I truly believe something great will come,” she insists.

Holt has been accepted and is looking forward to attending Texas A&M in Commerce.