ThunderRidge High School graduates finally got their day in the sun June 24 -- but in Parker, not their home turf of Highlands Ranch.

Families, clustered into six-foot pods on the EchoPark Stadium bleachers, waited for their 10-second moment, just like any other graduation. The ceremony began at 9 a.m., and faculty began reading students’ names by 9:15. Unlike most other graduations, this one ended within an hour.

ThunderRidge graduated 495 seniors, 216 with academic honors. A few seniors were absent, but most of the class appeared.

Mirabel Nguyen was named the Class of 2020’s Top Valedictorian. Student body president Mia Hayden and vice president Heidi Haze welcomed the students, faculty, dignitaries and guests. Senior class president and vice-president Hunter Hoff and Max Whalen presented the class gift, and Zachary Mackin gave a student address.

Each student walked across the stage, either saluting, air-high-fiving or blowing a kiss to the crowd.