One by one with family looking on, Cumberland seniors get diplomas

Seniors were limited to inviting four family members apiece. Each student walked across the stage to get a diploma from the principal. No one was wearing gloves, but students were wearing masks.

"Honestly, it was a great experience because I waited four years and I really didn't think it was going to happen, but God made a way," said Kametra Hunter.

She is headed to Shaw University on a music scholarship, which makes the walk across the stage extra special for her mom.

"It was a lot. It was a lot to me because I didn't get to walk across the stage, so to raise my own and let her walk, it really meant a lot," said Katrina Rich.

Each family and each grad had a story.

For Javier Fuentes, it was memories of friends and playing baseball. "Just enjoying my last moments of my senior year," he said.

Kyndall Ray burst into tears. "When I first walked down that hallway, I really started crying," she said. "I was just thinking about how much I've change in the last four years, the people I've met and everything. It really just hit me."

In the coming week, more than 3,500 students will graduate in modified ceremonies at 16 Cumberland County high schools.

“After listening to feedback from students, parents and school administrators, I’ve heard a consistent message – students are ready to graduate and move forward with their post-secondary plans,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. in a statement, “We have learned that social-distancing limitations would likely remain in place for events such as graduation ceremonies even in July. We have also heard from students who are leaving for college or the military in June and would not be able to attend a graduation in July.”