The recent round of restrictions coming into effect has thrown a curve ball into graduation planning.
This will be the second class of graduates that are being affected by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. These classes are being adaptable to this new reality.
Curtis LaPierre, principal of Drumheller Valley Secondary School, explained initially they were aiming to hold their graduation ceremonies on May 29, but with the recent switch to online schooling and the possibility of it going beyond the initial two weeks, they moved their grad date to June 19, 2021.
They plan to host an outdoor convocation at DVSS Field, with the graduating class present but socially distanced, and parents and families are to remain in their vehicles.
Principal of St. Anthony’s School JoAnne Akerboom said throughout the planning they are very cognizant that plans could change at the drop of a hat.
“We knew we were limited from any large indoor gathering. So we started with a plan of at least having the cohort of grads be together and live streaming for the parents. That all depends on AHS restrictions,” she said. “So we have always planned on a contingency of doing a live stream to everybody in their living rooms like last year. We have a little experience from last year and everyone was happy with that.”
As far as celebrations beyond the commencement, they are “hoping for the best and planning for the worst.”
St. Anthony’s traditionally schedules their grad for the first weekend of June, however, they are planning for June 26.
“We’re pushing it off hoping the rate of the vaccinations overtakes the rate of spread,” said Akerboom.
Wheatland Crossing and Delia School are also opting for later rather than earlier scheduling their grads for June 25.
Principal of Morrin School, Don Yavis, said they are planning for June 5, but have backup plans if they have to make changes. Last year Morrin School waited until the summer for their grad.
“We’ll make sure there is some kind of celebration,” said Yavis of the three students graduating this year. “They are small but they are mighty, these three are awesome kids.”
