Looking to light the way for Class of 2020
When schools were suddenly closed in March, we had no idea that students would not be returning. We were all hoping students would return in April. Then we were all hoping students would return in May. Instead, classrooms remained empty, and we are still not sure what classrooms will look like when students return to school.
Despite the sudden changes, the West Carrollton staff quickly came together. Learning continued. Meals were provided. Buildings were maintained and cleaned. I am so proud of our students and staff. At the same time, I realize the hardships this has caused for our families.
One particular group I especially think about is our Class of 2020. They have missed out on activities that students look forward to, especially when they are seniors. Sports, musicals, proms and extracurricular activities were suddenly canceled. One thing we decided very quickly is that our seniors wouldn’t miss graduation. We just weren’t sure what the ceremony would look like.
Continued restrictions from the governor and the Ohio Department of Education eventually guided us to plan a virtual ceremony. Graduates were able to come to the high school with family members for an outdoor photo opportunity and be congratulated by a member of the board of education. Staff members were there and applauded each graduate. Staff from all of the schools did a fundraiser so that each graduate received a gift from teachers across the district. Each graduate also received a yard sign. The pictures, speeches by students and administrators and student performances will be combined together to create a virtual ceremony to be aired later this month.
All of the school staff have struggled with planning graduation. There was no easy solution to the dilemma school districts across the state of Ohio and across the country faced. We have all been attempting to plan a ceremony honoring the Class of 2020 that is not only safe for the participants and audience, but also for everyone the participants and audience come in contact with after the ceremony. Having the virtual ceremony provides a safe option that includes the entire class. We hope that restrictions will continue to be lifted as we head into summer and that we will be able to invite the graduates back for a live ceremony.
We are going to continue to celebrate the class by asking school district families to turn on their porch light on May 21. This would have been the day of the graduation ceremony. We want to light the way for the Class of 2020.
There are lessons in the classroom, and there are the lessons from COVID-19. The Class of 2020 has risen to the challenge they were presented and continued to work to earn their diplomas. I am sure that this class will be better prepared than any class before them to meet whatever challenges in life they may face after graduation.