by Brianna Tripodi

High School graduation is a day that all students look forward to, and this year, despite all of the obstacles, is no exception. When I was in middle school imagining what my high school senior year would be like, it was most definitely not filled with images of social distancing, quarantines, and face masks. I am excited to graduate outdoors with all of my classmates as my family watches on from the bleachers and, if the weather cooperates, that’s exactly what will happen this year.

Although we are attempting to return to some semblance of normalcy, there are still certain precautions that we need to take. If the ceremony, which is slated for June 25th, takes place outdoors, students have been informed that, out of an abundance of caution and to adhere to state health guidelines, we are only going to be allowed to bring two guests to the graduation ceremony. In addition, every student and guest will either need to be vaccinated or need to present a negative Covid test to attend the ceremony.  The ceremony will also be livestreamed.

In case of bad weather, the contingency plan is to have the ceremony indoors. The graduating class will be split into four separate groups and four separate ceremonies will be held. Guests will still be permitted and the ceremonies will also still be livestreamed. We all hope that the weather cooperates so that the ceremony will be as normal as possible and we can all graduate together.

On behalf of the class of 2021, we thank you for trying to give us a proper and fitting ending to our senior year. We wish the best of luck to the class of 2022 and hope that everything returns to normal by the start of the next school year.