First a pandemic, then triple-digit heat indices - nothing could stop the class of 2020.
High school seniors in Lafayette Parish had a last minute change to their graduation ceremonies.
State guidelines forced the ceremonies outdoors to Cajun Field which meant their families and friends could be there for their big moment.
Tonight's ceremony for Lafayette High School took place amid a heat advisory.
Temperatures were in the mid 90's, but the heat index was over 100.
The heat was on at Cajun Field during Lafayette High's graduation ceremony and the graduates could feel it.
"I chugged some water before I got here so let's hope it'll last," said graduate, Peyton Sias.
"Should've got a water in the fridge, but it is what it is," said graduate, Zane Abdul-Jabbar
"It's hard to stay cool with all this on. It kind of sucks because of the virus making us have to do it outside, but I don't know at least we got a unique graduation," said graduate, Jacob Morgan.
Emergency medical technicians were on standby at every corner just in case anyone got overheated. In the stands, parents didn't seem to mind.
"I'm used to sweating and everything. I was in the marine corp so I'm used to sweating, no big deal at all," said graduate parent, Karl Green Sr.
"It feels like this chapter has been dragging out for a long time, kind of just ready to shut this book closed," said Sias.
Graduation ceremonies will continue at Cajun Field tomorrow morning starting with Comeaux High at 7:30 A.M. followed by Carencro at 11 A.M. and Southside High at 6 P.M.
KATC photojournalists Blake Blanchard and Mak Kruse documented graduates and their families who were thankful they could celebrate the milestone despite all the recent hurdles. Find that video in the wheel lead above.
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