Graduating in a time of COVID-19 
How to share the stage and celebrate students during a national pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc and creating uncertainty. But one thing is certain: The Class of 2020 will graduate this spring — somehow, somewhere. In this unfortunate time, those students deserve recognition for their hard work and achievement. Even if you have a “fauxmencement” to honor them, make it remarkable. 

Many of our daily tasks and activities have moved online. We are conducting meetings online and relying on technology to keep us connected. During this time of social distancing and virtual connection, our schools, students and their families are moving many of these rites of passage online as well. 

Virtual activities do not replace personal connections, but they are better than nothing and some are pretty good — all things considered. 

Before you make plans to expand your digital reach, check in with your technology staff or get a consultant. If you are wringing your hands over what platform you need to virtually convene a large group — or even a series of smaller ones, you can make graduation a simple “Facebook Live” streaming event, or hand it over to the creative forces — the grads themselves.

Start thinking themes: Be daring, historic

Don’t just be the “Class of 2020.” This year’s class is graduating in an unprecedented time with memories — tragic and triumphant — that will endure for generations. 

To help you find your theme:
Consider stealing the COVID-19 acronym: Nineteen ways to Commence Onward with Vitality, Inspiration and Dedication. Think of creative ways to use the number 19: Top 19 in their class; 19 ways they served the community; 19 promises they’ll make; 19 best school memories. You’re not making light of a pandemic … you’re claiming their right to a future. Create your own meaning of COVID — or feel free to steal that one. Our gift.

A less ambitious plan is to use the social distancing number — challenge your grads with ways to use the number six and post their ideas. What can you do six feet away? Six things I learned in school; six things I will do for my community, my world, myself. Send six cards to people who changed your life. Donate six dollars to a charity and explain why. Give a $6 tip.

Play it safe with traditional theme ideas: The year for resilience, virtual connection, community, healing. You can flesh out this list. Consider a contest with the board/parent group/business leaders for the selection committee.

This could be your year to start a new approach — your 2020 graduating class can leap over barriers. After all, they’re the Class of Online Visual and Independent Determination, right? (Just providing another acronym idea here.) Ask your class leaders to plan their own graduation — a good online learning activity to earn credits (maybe the juniors, too). You might get a remarkable, two-way interactive ceremony from a generation where digital is second nature. 

Test options with your IT staff (or get help) on the best platform to livestream a graduation ceremony or event. Your choice depends on if you want a one-way production, or interaction.

Ideas for an easy, straightforward event 
 
•	Theme ideas: resilience, virtual, community, healing, creating a new world. You can flesh out this list. Consider a contest with the board/parent group/business leaders for the selection committee.

•	Live stream the graduation ceremony, combined with embedded, pre-recorded video messages from the board chair, music performances, valedictorian, etc.

•	Pick your 10 people who can gather (depending on current rules in your state); space them six feet apart on stage, with a board chair or superintendent “convening” the ceremony.

•	Trade off reading names of graduates as their photos flash on screen (find or get them sent in now), then slide into a gallery on the screen (and saved online). Ask seniors to send in a favorite (and appropriate) photo.

Make this year a creative community ceremony

Consider delaying the ceremony into summer to create something amazing that involves the entire community. Post messages on reader boards and electronic banners wherever they exist. 

Approach your business leaders to ask each business to “adopt” a set of kids and maybe extend special deals, depending on the size of your town. Ask churches — any organization that has an online presence — to celebrate your graduates.

Every family of a graduate will hopefully be planning something, even small; ask if you can “host” something for them on your website or social media pages, even if it’s just their student’s photo, virtual hugs or “throwing the cap in the air” through video. Or, link to all their “ceremonies” from your district website.

Ask families or graduates to submit creative ways they’re connecting; via photos or quick videos— an artistic stacking of sticks or wood, or hula hoops, for example. Start by asking, “how are you connecting” with the world?

Good quotes are easy to Google. One of our favorites for the COVID era is this, from the Tempest by William Shakespeare: “O, brave new world, that has such people in it!” Those people are your class of 2020. 

Here’s an inspiring clip to see how the graduating class from Wellesley did it:
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/17/us/wellesley-college-graduation-coronavirus.html

Bows, salutes and elbow bumps to all!

Contributed by Shannon Priem, APR, former public information director for the Oregon School Boards Association and is senior content specialist for Salem Health where she shares information about COVID-19 with hospital staff and community.