Senior proms, graduation ceremonies to look different this year

After a school year filled with changes and cancellations, some area high school seniors will get to partake in two major rites of passage: prom and graduation.

Posted 11:36 p.m. Apr 9, 2021 — Updated 11:36 p.m. Apr 9, 2021

Keely Arthur

, WRAL reporter

APEX, N.C. — After a school year filled with changes and cancellations, some area high school seniors will get to partake in two major rites of passage: prom and graduation.

The state Department of Public Instruction released guidance this week that such events should be outdoors, if possible, and include masks and distancing for all in attendance. DPI officials also recommended having plenty of hand-sanitizer stations, increased ventilation and no buffet-style eating.

Wake County high schools have traditionally held their graduation ceremonies at the Raleigh Convention Center, but district officials recently told schools to hold their graduations at outdoor stadiums and limit attendance to 30 percent of capacity.

"I am extremely excited about having a proper graduation," said Beth Roach, whose son, Tyler, is a senior at Apex High School. "They need to be celebrated. They need to be rewarded for all of their hard work."

As for prom, there won't be any at Durham County high schools, while Johnston County Public Schools is allowing seniors-only events.

"I believe they’re allowing each school choose how to handle it," Roach said of the Wake County Public School System.

So, Apex High has teamed up with Apex Friendship High School for a modified event on May 21 called "promenade" that will take place in downtown Apex. Students can walk around downtown and will have chance to get their pictures taken inside a tent that will be set up for the event.

"I think some students will be able to enjoy what the schools have put together, but I think others just are like, 'It’s another opportunity to be outside, and why dress up in a tux to do that?'" Roach said.

Apex High's graduation is set for June 11. The school also is hosting a private walk-through graduation for families that aren’t comfortable in crowds yet.

"I think he’s much more excited, as well as I am, about graduation," Roach said.

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