Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Education News
Emily Bright and Andrew Krueger

Daily dose of sweetness: Grads to get top billing at Austin theater

Girls underneath theater marquee
Parent Angie Hughson takes a photo of Austin High School senior MacKai Hughson with sisters Allie and Brynn Hughson under the Paramount Theatre marquee.
Courtesy of Austin Area Arts

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

While large high school graduation ceremonies are canceled, communities around Minnesota are finding ways to honor the class of 2020.

In Austin, organizers of the annual ArtWorks festival are offering a chance for seniors to see their name in big letters on the historic Paramount Theatre.

"We don't have any shows to promote on our marquee because everything's shut down,” said Laura Helle, executive director of Austin Area Arts. “And so we thought, you know, this will be something very special that only the class of 2020 would get — the chance to have their name on the marquee and come take a photo of it.”

Graduating student underneath theater marquee.
Austin High School senior Eli Johnson sports his school colors under the Paramount Theatre marquee.
Courtesy of Jenna Grabau

Seniors will have a designated time when their name will be on display. Those interested in making an appointment should call 507-434-0934.

The group is also organizing sidewalk chalk art messages for graduates. The events start Tuesday and continue through May 29.

Helle said that since this summer's ArtWorks festival may not happen, they're looking for ways to boost community spirit in a safe way.

Daily dose of sweetness

From acts of kindness and sweet gestures to inspirational signs, these are some of the ways Minnesotans are lifting one another during the coronavirus pandemic.

Discover something that brightens your day? We may include it here. Email it to nyang@mpr.org.