Graduation 2021: Still More Questions Than Answers
Hailey Gardner ‘21 Staff Writer
Unfortunately, Howard High’s graduation for the class of 2021 will not look the same as it has in previous years. COVID-19 will likely impede the number of guests each student can bring to Merriweather Post Pavilion, where graduation is usually held. With COVID-19 evolving, there could be a chance of having a completely virtual graduation. Thus far, no one knows for sure the plans for graduation. Ms. Jeffery, one of the graduation coordinators, states,“We have no information as of yet. We don't
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know if we will be in-person or virtual. The county continues to work on a solution.” Knowing that an in-person ceremony might not be feasible can be very upsetting news for the class of 2021.
Senior Nathanil Smith says, “I hope that we all could have the opportunity to walk across a stage in front of our classmates, teachers, faculty and family members.” Smith suggests, “Graduation won’t be the same as years prior to class of 2020, but maybe a modified graduation at Merriweather would be very enjoyable. We have already met in decent size gatherings such as senior sunrise and the event held at the farm out in Marriottsville, so graduation shouldn’t be much of a problem… maybe to keep the number of people down, they could have waves of people come through and only allow immediate family to join, such as last names A-M graduate followed by last names N-Z.” His suggestion of having family members come in waves to graduation with a sanitizing session in between, or having the first and second half of the students on different days, is a proposal that may be considered by Howard County to ensure an in-person graduation.
Last year’s graduation was fully virtual, with the personalized touch of staff-delivered yard signs. “The grad signs made for the class of 2020 was a nice gesture,” says Smith, “but hopefully we can have some sort of celebration greater than a sign to put in our front yards.” High school graduation is very important to students, especially if they are not furthering their education, in which case this would be their family’s last chance to see them walk across the stage.
Senior Nathanil Smith says, “I hope that we all could have the opportunity to walk across a stage in front of our classmates, teachers, faculty and family members.” Smith suggests, “Graduation won’t be the same as years prior to class of 2020, but maybe a modified graduation at Merriweather would be very enjoyable. We have already met in decent size gatherings such as senior sunrise and the event held at the farm out in Marriottsville, so graduation shouldn’t be much of a problem… maybe to keep the number of people down, they could have waves of people come through and only allow immediate family to join, such as last names A-M graduate followed by last names N-Z.” His suggestion of having family members come in waves to graduation with a sanitizing session in between, or having the first and second half of the students on different days, is a proposal that may be considered by Howard County to ensure an in-person graduation.
Last year’s graduation was fully virtual, with the personalized touch of staff-delivered yard signs. “The grad signs made for the class of 2020 was a nice gesture,” says Smith, “but hopefully we can have some sort of celebration greater than a sign to put in our front yards.” High school graduation is very important to students, especially if they are not furthering their education, in which case this would be their family’s last chance to see them walk across the stage.