In-person high school graduations begin in Wake County

Students, parents and communities are excited for the return of in-person high school graduations in the County as COVID-19 restrictions have eased.

Illene Anthony, from Millbrook High School, was feeling all the jubilation and jitters of a new high school graduate.

"I was so afraid to actually turn my tassel because this chapter of my life was finally closed," she said.

"I've been waiting for this all year," said Dean Whitney, a parent of a South Garner High School graduate. "I was afraid it wasn't going to happen like this so I was excited about it."

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday marks the first time schools will have graduation back on campus. Some schools will have it indoors with multiple ceremonies for smaller groups while others will be outside.

"This was so much better than last year when we were new at it and we weren’t allowed to have groups come in," said Millbrook High School principal Dana King.

There are still social distancing and mask requirements that schools must follow. What won’t change are the traditional parts of the ceremony such as the processional and students turning their tassels.