State College Lights Up the Night for High School Seniors, First Responders and Medical Workers

The State College community came together on Wednesday night to shine a light on the high school class of 2020 as well as those working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

‘Light Up State College’ kicked off at 8:20 p.m. (that’s 20:20 military time) to honor State College Area High School and Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy graduating seniors — who can’t experience the typical rites of passage including in-person commencements — along with first responders and medical professionals.

State College Area School District lighted its athletic fields and scoreboards for 20 minutes. The Bryce Jordan Center, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park and Beaver Stadium also joined in and police and fire company vehicles from around the Centre Region turned on their flashing lights.

The scoreboard at State High’s North Field displayed a score of 20-20 and time of 20:20, as well  4th down and 19 yards to go ‘signifying the hard work of medical providers and first responders to stem the ‘drive’ of COVID-19,’ according to a SCASD news release.

Medlar Field also displayed a 20-20 score, with ‘THX GRADS’ ‘AND HEROES’ in place of the team names. The digital sign outside the Jordan Center congratulated graduates and thanked frontline workers, and the scoreboards inside Beaver Stadium displayed messages of appreciation.

The scoreboard at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park displays 20-20 in honor of high school graduates and first responders on May 20, 2020. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com

Participating organization also included State College Little League, State College Teener League, Tussey Mountain Ski & Recreation and Penn State Athletics; the Ferguson Township, Patton Township, Penn State and State College police departments; the Alpha, Boalsburg and Port Matilda fire companies; Centre LifeLink EMS; and Mount Nittany Medical Center.

The digital display at the Bryce Jordan Center shows a message of thanks for first responders and medical workers on May 20, 2020. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com

Forever Media also broadcast a special program from 8-9 p.m. on MAJIC 93.7 FM, featuring high school student leaders, a State High Marching Band performance and community members offering messages of support. 

The digital sign at the Bryce Jordan Center shows a message of congratulations to high school seniors on May 20, 2020. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com

Residents were encouraged to illuminate their homes and share videos and photos on social media using #SCLightUpTheNight.

Several parked school buses around State College had signs congratulating the high school class of 2020. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com