Schnucks delivers curbside graduation to St. Louis high schools

Schnuck Markets is doing its part to make sure that the class of 2020 gets their fair share of pomp and circumstance. Schnucks is teaming with more than a dozen St. Louis-area companies to make a memorable graduation happen for eight area high schools who wanted to bring their graduating seniors a real commencement ceremony.

The ceremonies are scheduled to be held through June 10, and will meet COVID-19 social distancing restrictions by keeping audiences in their vehicles, watching on large screens while listening to HD-quality sound on their radios.

"Just as we are adapting in our stores, these unprecedented times require innovative solutions in all walks of life,” said Dave Peacock, Schnucks president and COO, the event’s platinum sponsor.

"As the parent of a high school senior, I’ve personally seen the many memories that these seniors have missed out on because of COVID-19. When we heard about this initiative, we knew immediately that Schnucks wanted to be involved to help give these students a graduation they would always remember.”

Other sponsors include US Bank, who will bring the graduations to life on two giant 30-foot screens, as well as several St. Louis-based live event companies. The graduations will take place at POWERplex, a multi-use amatuer sports complex currently under development in Hazelwood, Mo.

“Our goal is to serve young people in this community and give parents a quality experience at the same time,” said Dan Buck, managing partner of Big Sports Properties, whose team is organizing the event. “We are working closely with the St. Louis County Public Health Department to make certain everything is done safely and everyone is socially distanced.”

Each ceremony also will be broadcast over a livestream feed so people at home or those with medical complications can see their loved ones cross the stage to receive their diploma.