More than two years of the coronavirus pandemic reshaped a long stretch of life in high school for 2022’s graduating seniors, and thousands of those students in Cherry Creek School District persevered, finally receiving their diplomas in late May.

Roughly 4,500 students from the Cherry Creek district were to get their diplomas in the May graduation ceremonies this year, according to an email newsletter to parents.

“These students have persevered through extraordinary changes and challenges,” the newsletter said. “In so many ways, our 2022 graduates personify Cherry Creek Schools’ core values: growth mindset, equity, whole well-being, relationships and engagement. We congratulate each and every one of them and wish them the best as they continue to make their mark in our world!”

About 55,000 students attend Cherry Creek School District, which extends across a large part of the south Denver metro area. The district covers parts of Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Aurora, Foxfield, and some Arapahoe County areas that aren't within a city or town.