More than 1,000 Students From Area Schools’ Matanzas, Flagler-Palm Coast & First Baptist Christian Academy Take Victory Lap Around Iconic 2.5-mile Venue, Toss Cap
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 31, 2020) – History was made Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, the World Center of Racing, as more than 1,000 seniors from three different area high schools participated in graduation ceremonies.
Graduates from Flagler-Palm Coast, Matanzas and First Baptist Christian Academy were able to enter the historic 2.5-mile venue with family/guests in one passenger vehicle, and all remained in each vehicle during each of the three different ceremonies.
“This is such a special day for Daytona International Speedway, to be a part of the journey for these graduates,” said track President Chip Wile. “These seniors were unfortunately robbed of a traditional graduation, but we were able to provide it right here at the World Center of Racing. It is such an honor for us to be able to host hem and support our community during these truly difficult times. We will remember the finish line of their high school career for a very long time.”
Programming took place on the asphalt skid pad that leads from the exit of turn four to the entrance of pit road. Graduates were able to listen to their ceremony inside the track via low frequency radio station 107.9.
Afterwards, each vehicle – in a graduation procession – made its way toward the start/finish line where each graduate’s name was read followed by a presentation of their diploma through the driver’s side window before taking a “Victory Lap” around the 2.5-mile venue. Afterwards, all returned to the area near pit road entrance where the moving of the tassel and cap toss occurred.
Photos: Matanzas High School Graduation Ceremonies were one of three (along with Flagler-Palm Coast and First Baptist Christian Academy) for area schools Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.
Video B-Roll/Interviews: Highlights of the Matanzas and Flagler-Palm Coast High School (First Baptist Christian Academy kicked off the day), along with interviews with Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile and Flagler County Schools Superintendent James Tager.
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About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of “The Great American Race” – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the “World Center of Racing,” boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.
About First Baptist Christian Academy
FBCA opened in August of 2008. Now with two locations in Bunnell and Palm Coast, FBCA offers classes from infant through 12th grade with over 450 students. In 2015, we relocated to our new facilities at the Historic Flagler County Courthouse located at 201 E. Moody Blvd. Bunnell, Florida 32110. FBCA is fully accredited with the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS) and offers standard, honors, and dual enrollment credits for high school students.
About the Flagler County School District
The Flagler County School District is located in Bunnell, FL. and has been educating the children of Flagler County for more than a century. 10 schools, nearly 13,000 students and 2,500 teachers, staff and employees make up the largest workforce in Flagler County with a population of 110,510. Each one of them help create a talent pipeline for our county, combining technology-infused classrooms in modernized learning environment that serves as a state model. You can find additional information on our website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts.
