Munford High School announced to its seniors Friday morning plans had changed for Saturday’s graduation ceremony.
Instead of five mini graduation ceremonies held throughout the day, graduates and their families will now drive up to the stage on the football field. It’s been the school’s Plan B since graduation plans were announced.
“At this time, due to the uncertainty in the weather and social distancing guidelines during COVID, we feel it is in everyone’s best interest in the Munford High community to conduct our graduation as a drive-thru/graduate-stage-walk,” a memo said.
When will the drive-through graduations take place?
The times originally assigned to graduates for the mini ceremonies will now be suggested time periods, the school said.
“If you feel the need to come through the line with your friends, that is acceptable. However, we ask that you stay as close to your suggested time as possible in order to prevent a backup of traffic.”
How will it work?
Each graduate is allowed two vehicles with unlimited passengers. Once they’ve arrived and followed the prescribed traffic patterns to the stage, the graduate will exit the vehicle and walk across the stage where they will be introduced and staff members will give remarks about the graduates post-secondary plans.
The graduates will then return to their vehicle and continue along the route for other photo opportunities.
Capturing memories
The graduates have worked hard to reach this milestone and Munford High wanted to make it as memorable, and as special, as possible for them.
Staff members said several different photo ops will be available, including one in the end zone.
A videographer and photographer will be on-hand to record images and video of students walking across the stage and later tossing their cap in front of Munford Fire Department’s large flag in front of the MHS awning. In June, graduates will receive a free copy of a video edited to show recorded speeches and clips of each of them walking across the stage. Additionally, they will receive a photo of their walk across the stage at no cost to them.
The Celebrate Munford committee partnered with the high school to print signs for each graduate. They’re located in City Park and will go home with students after graduation.
Though it’s a change in plans, and a big departure from traditional ceremonies, school leaders emphasize they’re making hard decisions to benefit everyone during an unprecedented time.
“We want to make the most responsible decision for our students.”
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
