Gone is the pomp and circumstance of the traditional high school graduation ceremony for seniors in Carroll County. Because of COVID-19, each student will have the option of participating in an individual styled ceremony that will last 10 minutes.
The plans were announced and voted on Wednesday during a virtual Carroll County Public Schools Board meeting.
“Students will be able to bring four guest with them and we will have the school staffed so that there are folks in the parking lot,” said Cindy McCabe, Chief of Schools for Carroll County Public Schools. “The doors will all be opened, so no doors will need to be touched by students or families and everything will be staffed to make sure the process goes smoothly from one student and their families to the next.”
The district said families can schedule when they plan to visit the school building.
On the date and time assigned, students will walk across the stage, receive their diploma and be able to take a photo.
While not ideal, administrators believe this plan is the best way to honor a student’s achievement while being mindful of public health.
“The way that we want this to work in every school is that there will be a way to enter and exit the building so that people don’t come in contact with one another,” said McCabe. "The family that was in there first will go, come in, graduate and leave so that they will not have contact with the net family that's coming in.”
Students will be allowed to wear their cap and gown. A videographer will also be on site to take video of each graduating senior. The video will be edited together and offered to each graduating student.
Individual ceremonies are expected to start June 1st and end June 12.
