Senior Spirit Doors recognize Republic High School class of 2020

Because social distancing restrictions have required the Republic School District to either postpone or otherwise cancel many of the traditional year-end events which celebrate graduating high school seniors, people are coming up with new and innovative ways to celebrate the class of 2020. One new idea for celebrating this year’s graduating class is Senior Spirit Doors.
The idea behind Senior Spirit Doors is a senior’s family decorates the front door to their home with pictures and other decorations that celebrate the student; the decorations usually highlight the student’s accomplishments or activities over their high-school career. Pictures of the decorated doors are then sent to the district to be displayed on social media.
Josey McPhail, director of communications for Republic R-3, said Senior Spirit Doors are one way the district is trying to celebrate their seniors as the community negotiates the pandemic.
“The Republic School District and Republic High School administration have worked hard to keep the interest of the class of 2020 in mind when making decisions during the COVID-19 closure,” she said. “It’s been really important to us to think outside the box to create alternative activities to help our seniors create fond memories of their last few months of high school.”
Towards that end, McPhail said the district has turned to members of the district, as well as other school districts for ways to honor seniors. Senior Spirit Doors came about out of that effort.
“We’ve had great ideas pour in from students, families and other school districts,” she said. “The Senior Spirit Doors is one of those efforts that has come to life. We put out the opportunity for families to participate in this effort and send us a picture to share on our social media platforms as a way to honor the class of 2020.”
Senior Spirit Doors is a voluntary effort on the part of seniors and their families, and so far, about 22 are currently being displayed on the Senior 2020 Spirit Doors Album at the Republic High School Facebook Page.
Seniors and their families who wish to participate in Senior Spirit Doors can send the pictures via private message on the Republic High School Yearbook.
“We will continue to add photos as we receive them,” McPhail said.