KNOXVILLE — The school year came to a premature ending when Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recommended that schools remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.
Most schools in the East Tennessee area gave one last tribute to the senior student-athletes who were set to graduate in May on Friday night.
Several schools in Knox and surrounding counties turned on the lights in their respective outdoor venues at approximately 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time) and the lights were left on for 20 minutes to thank and honor those athletes who lost the majority of their seasons do to the COVID-19 pandemic which has hindered everyday life globally.
The University of Tennessee joined in the tribute by lighting up Neyland Stadium as stadium candles at high schools were lit in honor of these student-athletes one final time.
Leaving the lights on tonight for the Class of 2020. #BeTheLight pic.twitter.com/kHR777h2rP
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) April 18, 2020