For high school and college graduates, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted one of the most exciting times of their young lives. Here at Dunkin’, our franchisees are tipping their caps to the Class of 2020 and celebrating them in new and unique ways.
California based Dunkin’ franchisees, Mike and Abi Stout, set out to recognize the 20 high school and college graduates working as restaurant employees in their stores. Together with their fellow store employees, the Stouts surprised the recent grads with caps, tassels, and Hawaiian leis for a makeshift graduation ceremony right in their Dunkin’ dining room.
“Everyone should get to walk across the stage to the sound of graduation music and have an opportunity to toss their caps in the air,” said Mike Stout. “Our store employees were so surprised, I still get chills when I think about it. It was certainly a heartfelt moment none of us will forget.”
In New Hampshire, Dunkin’ franchisees are hosting the 25th year of the New Hampshire Scholarship program and will award $30,000 in college scholarships to a dozen deserving New Hampshire high school seniors. Since 1995, New Hampshire Dunkin’ franchisees have given more than half a million dollars in scholarship grants to talented students in the community who uphold the mission to help those that serve others. This year, New Hampshire Dunkin’ franchisees are continuing this tradition, while also sending celebratory lawn signs to recipients so that they can proudly display their achievements at home.
“Each year, but especially this year, it gives us great pleasure to reward local high school seniors for their hard work and dedication," said Adam Quinn, Dunkin' Franchisee. "We recognize that the Class of 2020 has had a different graduation experience than each class before them, and it’s important to our New Hampshire franchisees to continue to recognize their hard work by helping them reach their goals of pursuing a higher education."
In Rhode Island, Dunkin’ franchisee, Chris Arruda honored Class of 2020 store employees with a large banner outside of his Riverside store, featuring class pictures of each of the store’s 2020 high school and college graduates.
“We know that the Class of 2020 didn’t get to celebrate this very special milestone the way they would have liked to this this year,” said the Riverside Dunkin’s Store Manager, Mike Barboasa. “We wanted to do what we could to celebrate their exciting achievement and show how proud we are of each of them for their accomplishments.”
Select Dunkin’ franchisees across the country, including all of Vermont and Rhode Island, Bristol, Hampshire and Franklin Counties in Massachusetts, and stores in the Midwest, will celebrate the Class of 2020 with special offers of free donuts and coffee for those wearing their cap and gown or Class of 2020 gear.
On behalf of all of us here at Dunkin’, we tip our caps to the Class of 2020 and wish them all the best of luck on bright futures ahead!
How are you celebrating the Class of 2020? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok!
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