Pitadas
Celebrating Milestones in Uncertain Times
An initiative that honored graduating seniors during the pandemic with safe, heartfelt celebrations that brought recognition, joy, and a sense of achievement.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed many things, and one of the most significant was how graduations were celebrated. Many high school seniors missed out on traditional ceremonies due to safety restrictions. In collaboration with the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program and the respective school districts of enrolled youth, Pitadas was created.
Pitadas was an initiative designed to honor graduating seniors while maintaining COVID-19 safety guidelines. Staff members and key stakeholders drove to the students’ homes, honking, cheering, and displaying banners and signs in celebration. Diplomas were delivered personally, and each graduate had the opportunity to have their portrait taken in their cap and gown.
As the Internal Communications Manager, I contributed my skills in event coordination and creative communications to help design an experience that honored students and uplifted their achievements during a difficult time. I assisted with videography and photography, coordinated logistics, and collaborated with the multimedia team to edit final videos that captured the joy of the celebrations.
This heartfelt initiative brought joy and recognition to youth who might have otherwise been overlooked. It was a meaningful effort that helped students feel seen, valued, and celebrated at a time when many milestones had been disrupted.
Together We Made it Happen
Communications Team
- Chief of Communications
- Internal Communications Manager
- Brand & Project Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Graphic Design and Production Specialist
- Multimedia Specialist
- Copywriter
National Stakeholders
- Office of the CEO
- Youth and Family Services Division
- Procurement
- Employee and Community Engagement
Regional Stakeholders
- Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP)
External Stakeholders
- Darrell B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center
- Cameron County Schools
Project Insights
I learned that leadership is about stepping in to create moments of hope when circumstances feel uncertain. By collaborating with teams, supporting logistics, and keeping the focus on the students, I saw how leadership can uplift others and build resilience in community.
The biggest challenge was capturing a celebration that felt personal and joyful in an unconventional setting. I overcame this by collaborating with stakeholders, planning logistics carefully, and focusing on creative storytelling through visuals to highlight the significance of each student’s achievement.
I applied my skills in event coordination, creative communications, and employee engagement. I also supported the initiative through photography, videography, and project management tools to ensure the celebration was captured and published in a timely manner.
This project pushed me to adapt quickly, coordinate moving pieces in an unconventional setting, and capture authentic moments that reflected the importance of the occasion.
The initiative gave graduating seniors recognition and celebration at a time when many milestones were disrupted. It brought joy not only to students but also to their families, staff, and community members who were part of the celebrations.
I will carry forward the lesson that even in times of disruption, creativity can open new possibilities for connection. This project taught me how to use resourcefulness and adaptability to design experiences that are both safe and memorable.
I am most proud of helping create an experience that made each student feel seen and valued. Capturing portraits, delivering diplomas, and producing content that celebrated their journey was a deeply meaningful accomplishment.
Students and families expressed gratitude for the recognition, and stakeholders highlighted how the initiative brought positivity during a difficult time. This feedback reinforced the importance of human-centered storytelling and inspired me to keep finding ways to celebrate milestones, even in challenging circumstances.