With graduation canceled, Ontario high school honors Class of 2020 by lighting up stadium

ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- Most high school seniors around the country will not be attending prom or traditional graduation ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic, but some schools on Friday lit up stadium lights on campus to honor the Class of 2020.

Schools across Southern California participated in the illuminated tribute, including in Long Beach and Ontario.

"I think most of us feel very sad but we understand the circumstances," said Roselynn Ontiveros, a senior at Ontario High School, where more than 500 of her classmates had planned on celebrating graduation with friends and family in May.

With graduation canceled, OC senior makes yard signs for Class of 2020 to promote unity

SENIOR STUDENT SUPPORT: Local high school senior found a way to uplift her fellow classmates through yard signs attached a note and a cookie to remind them they are not alone during the coronavirus pandemic.

Several schools say they'll continue to turn on the stadium lights every Friday night for the next several weeks.

While the students are left to grapple with the idea of missing out on certain graduation milestones, some parents are also feeling helpless.

"I feel really bad because we have a lot of memories that we take for granted and they're never going to experience them," said Jackie Martinez, a mother at the school.

Most upcoming graduation events are canceled, including grad night at Disneyland Resort.