COVID-19 alters school graduations
‘Our seniors’ world has been turned upside down’
Traditional graduation ceremonies lost. Assemblies recognizing academic and athletic achievements canceled. Senior trip and prom scrubbed.
Time honored rites of passage for Rappahannock students — spring commencement ceremonies and related functions — are falling victim to COVID-19.
But school administrators are fighting back hard to give graduates the recognition they so richly deserve.
“You can’t replace the senior banquet, or the pomp and circumstance of a traditional graduation ceremony,” said James E. “Jimmy” Swindler, RCHS principal. “But our team is implementing a number of activities that will give our graduates some measure of recognition for all the hard work they’ve put in over the years.
“We surveyed students and parents about a range of options, from a virtual ceremony, to a ‘drive-by’ diploma pickup, to a more traditional type of program. The overwhelming response was in favor of something that would be as close to a traditional event as you can get,” he said.
Tuesday evening the RCPS School Board discussed several graduation ceremony options. If COVID-19 restrictions permit, a traditional in-person ceremony, or one with limited attendance and social distancing would be held on July 10 or 11.
Other options include presentation of diplomas in the school gym to graduates and their families one group at a time, or organizing a “drive-in” gathering (think drive-in theatre) where graduates and families would sit in their vehicles and listen to a commencement ceremony broadcast on their radio.
Last week RCHS Class of 2020 participated in a drive-thru event to pick up their pre-ordered caps and gowns along with yard signs that can be posted at their homes to honor their achievement. Another drive-thru event is scheduled for May 21st at 2 p.m.
Signs with photos of the 60 graduating seniors will be displayed along the lane at the high school, and scholarship, academic and athletic awards, along with free pizza, will be handed out to students in vehicles. Proper social distancing will continue to be observed.
Additionally, a pre-recorded baccalaureate ceremony will be uploaded and distributed via the internet on May 17 at 7 p.m.with Rev. John Huddleston of Reynolds Baptist Church conducting the service.
At the elementary school, a video slide show featuring all 62 graduating seventh graders is being produced.
“No ceremony is planned but we wanted to give our graduates something special,” said Lisa Gates, RCES principal. “We will designate a day where parents can drive their kids by the school to pick up their diplomas, receive their class photos and report cards. During eighth grade orientation at the high school students will be shown the video as a group. We are working to make things as personal as possible for our students,” she said.
Belle Meade School, meanwhile, is honoring its one senior graduate, Hannah Thede, at a home ceremony with her family while other students join via the internet. John Glass, head of school, will present her diploma on May 19.
Wakefield Country Day School has developed two alternatives to honor its 22 graduating seniors. The original graduation date of June 6th has been pushed back to an undetermined date later in the month with the hope that a ceremony can be held outdoors with proper social distancing.
“In the event that an in-person ceremony cannot occur due to COVID-19, our backup plan is to create a keepsake recording with photos and videos of each senior. Those recordings will be merged together and shared in a live-stream ceremony, along with commencement speeches and personal comments I will make about each graduate,” said Jessica Lindstrom, WCDS head of school.
“Our seniors’ world has been turned upside down, and together with teachers and parents, we are working to ensure this year’s graduation will be memorable and special.”