High schools got creative for graduation ceremonies in this COVID-19 era. West Ada School District graduations happened Saturday. Our daughter, Aviana, graduated from Centennial High School. The speeches were live-streamed, then there was a slideshow of all the students that played several times. 400+ students. Then, a new step called “culmination ceremony.”
We drove to the school and snaked through the parking lot. We put a giant inflatable unicorn on our daughter’s car and used chalk markers to decorate the windows. Students were allowed to decorate their caps. That’s normally never allowed. Aviana made a pinball cap.
The guideline was one vehicle per family. We saw RVs and pickups loaded with family members in the back.
Once we parked, we stood in line to get into the performing arts center, where each student walked across the stage to receive their diploma. Friends and family got to be right up front to watch and take photos and video. That would never have happened in a traditional ceremony in an arena.
Aviana’s favorite part was seeing friends and teachers. Two of her favorite math teachers below. These teachers have given their hearts and souls to make sure students succeed, even when it all got so weird.
Fun signs in the back hallway as we waited our turn to enter the theater.
Here’s to the Class of 2020! A generation born in the shadow of the 9-11 attacks that graduated during a pandemic.
~Debbie