Daytona International Speedway to host graduation ceremonies for some high schools

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — On May 31, "the World Center of Racing” will become the center for the world’s most unique graduation.

With high school graduations going virtual across the country, Daytona International Speedway president Chip Wile had a different idea.

He’s holding a graduation at the speedway for the two Flagler County high schools, Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast. Each graduate will remain in their car during the ceremony and receiver their diploma from their principal as they cross the start/finish line.

“It’s a huge accomplishment and unfortunately due to things outside of their control," Wile said. “These seniors are getting that moment robbed from them. So if there’s a way that we can use this incredible facility to make a memory they can never forget. Certainly we want to be able to do that.”

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Their will be two separate ceremonies. Matanzas High School will hold their graduation at 11 a.m. while Flagler Palm Coast will go at 4 p.m.

Matanzas senior Hunter Perez is excited to be a part of something so unique.

“I’m most excited about the historicalness of actually doing it at the speedway. It’s something that no one’s ever done and hopefully never has to be done again," Perez said.

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