Graduation 2021: What to expect from modified graduation ceremonies

Although many school districts canceled the traditional prom for the class of 2021, in Wake County, graduation is still a go – and schools are working extra hard to ensure ceremonies are memorable and fully honor the class that has "experienced a senior year like no other."

"Comparing a typical graduation pre-pandemic to what this graduation will involve, it will look very similar in terms of the flow," said Dhedra Lassiter, principal of Rolesville High School.

Schools are working really hard to be sure the most important and traditional components of graduation are incorporated into ceremonies, according to Brian Pittman, director of senior high school programs for WCPSS.

The processional, the recessional, the student involvement – and that wonderful moment when students get to turn their tassels – all of those traditions are part of the ceremony, he said.

WCPSS nixes traditional prom, but will hold modified graduation ceremonies for seniors

Lassiter is hopeful that smaller group sizes will provide an opportunity for a richer, more personal celebration.

When graduations include 500 to 800 students, the time feels extremely limited and rushed, according to Lassiter.

"I think this will be an opportunity for us to celebrate a little bit better," she said. “I feel like I’ll have a minute to celebrate with my students.”

On Thursday, Wake County officials held a press conference discussing details of upcoming "modified graduation" ceremonies.

Because every high school in Wake County has different stadiums and capacities, each school will get to decide its own graduation plans.

Each graduating senior and their families will receive specific information on dates, locations, social distancing guidance and additional pertinent information.

At some schools, students will be able to share their preferences for an indoor or outdoor ceremony.

Everyone has a different view of what that moment of 'graduation' should look like, said Pittman.

"Many of our students have seen older siblings graduate at Raleigh Convention Center, and that’s the picture they have in their mind," he said.

But, he says, other families may imagine graduation being the traditional gathering on your school’s football field.

Teachers are striving to create those 'big moments' for students this year – the emotional and proud march in the processional. The symbolic turning of the tassel. The pride of standing in front of your families and friends and taking that first step off the stage as a high school graduate.

That, perhaps, is especially meaningful this year – as students graduate into a world changed by a pandemic.

“In the end, what you’re looking for in a graduation is for students to have an experience where they know they have accomplished something special," said Pittman. "And they know they’ve done it in a place where people care about them."

"I think if we accomplish that in a graduation, whether it’s in the Convention Center or football field, then it’s going to be a successful graduation," he said.