/‘A year of missed milestones’ School districts get creative with coronavirus graduation plans

‘A year of missed milestones’ School districts get creative with coronavirus graduation plans

Nonprofit Mississippi News Mississippi’s 2020 high school class has lost their dreams of senior prom and taking the stage. They said that seniors across the state were angry and sad to learn their final year was over. Superintendents and principals insist that they are working hard to realize seniors’ graduation dreams. Although the Mississippi Department of Education does not provide guidance for how to conduct these ceremonies, local plans are being developed. Mississippi Today reached out and consulted several districts who were uncertain about their ceremony plans, pending approval by the school board. These plans include in person (with social distancing), drive-through, as well as filmed graduation ceremonies for Class of 2020. Superintendent Gary Hannah of Canton Public School District told Mississippi Today via email that they will hold a “parade-style” graduation ceremony on May 14 at Clinton High School and May 15, at 9:00 a.m. Hannah stated that the seniors who are graduating are very excited. We also have a surprise for them as they enter campus. They will treasure it as a parting gift. We know that anything but traditional will present challenges. However, we are hoping for good weather on both of those days. Principal John Ferris at New Albany High School stated that there will be two celebrations for students, a May 22 senior celebration, and a July 31 formal celebration. Ferris shared his thoughts with over 90 school administrators during an April 29 webinar. Ferris stated that they want to give seniors the experiences they have not had prior to graduation. Each senior will ride in a car through the town, starting at the elementary school and ending up at the high school. After seniors have gotten out of their cars, their names will then be called and streamed live on Facebook. Talia Locke, principal of Long Beach High School, and the administrative staff agreed that students should be able to have input in their graduation. They conducted a survey asking students what kind of graduation they would like to have. Locke said that 130 students responded to the survey and more than 80 percent preferred a traditional ceremony for June 26. Another option is to hold a golf-cart ceremony at the coliseum. Locke stated that Locke believes it is a unique event for the community. “The senior will be able to get on one golf car, and then they’ll travel to the podium to receive their diploma.” The news of closing schools for the rest of the school year prompted community members to support the Class of 2020. They “adopted” students from around the state to show their support in various ways, including money, cards, letters and mentorship. Districts have also found ways to show appreciation for their students, other than graduations. To honor seniors in Choctaw County high school, community members were asked by Amber Vowell (principal at Choctaw County High School) to turn on their lights at night to show appreciation. Choctaw County schools will host the graduation ceremony on May 21st at 6 p.m. “We’re going to turn on the football lights. She said that all schools would be lit up. More than 100 Clinton High School seniors have received yard signs for free to hang at their homes. Clinton High School will host 19 ceremonies in four days. For the top ten, the first seven ceremonies will be held on May 16, at 10:00 a.m. The six first groups of twenty will begin at 11:00 a.m. The first six groups of 20 will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the remaining twelve ceremonies. These ceremonies will take place over three days beginning May 18th and ending May 20th at 4:30 p.m. Kristen Temple, president of the PTO, stated in a press release that they have also been missing out on so many opportunities due to the coronavirus. “We had a large amount of community support this goal from other PTOs at different campuses, the Clinton High School Alumni Association and the 50th Anniversary Committee, as well as local businesses, individuals, and local businesses.” The Jackson Public Schools received 1,500 yard signs donated by Woodward Hines Education Foundation. This non-profit helps students attain higher learning credentials. Each high school received the signs. Courtney Lange (director of communications and impact) stated that “this is a year full of missed milestones.” It’s the small things. The more little things we all can do to celebrate students and encourage them is important.” If your school district has solidified its graduation plans, email aallyah@mississippitoday.org. You can share your Class of 2020 high school senior story by visiting our Class of 2020 COVID-19 Stories Page. Scroll to the bottom.