Graduation this year isn’t what the class of 2020 was expecting. 

They’ve stretched themselves to learn new and complex subjects. They’ve excelled in extracurriculars including sports, arts and clubs. Now, though school continues online, much of their senior year experience has been canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic threatening the community and globe.

They likely won’t be able to walk across a stage to accept a diploma. 

But The Times’ is seeking to honor these seniors, and we need your help to tell their stories in the pages of our annual graduation section.

We’re accepting nominations for seniors attending schools in Hall County and will examine submissions and choose one senior to feature from each school. 

Ideal candidates may have unique plans after high school, have overcome numerous obstacles to get to graduation or they may be kids who have really figured out their passion and are going after it. In other words, we’re not necessarily looking just for the straight-A students but rather students with unique stories.

We will need to be able to get in touch with the senior and ideally take his or her photo outdoors, though submitted photos will be considered. This is what we need from those nominating a senior:

• Name of senior

• School he or she attends

• Plans after high school

• In about 300 words or less, why you are nominating this senior

• Contact info for student

It should be emailed to news@gainesvilletimes.com before April 20 with the word graduation in the subject.