Walking for graduation didn’t seem to be an option for the class of 2020, but local school districts have made plans to honor their respective graduates.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, traditional commencement exercises have been canceled due to the adherence of social distancing. Despite that, ceremonies will still take place, just in an alternative manner.

Brookhaven

The Brookhaven School District announced last week the new plan for students graduating from Brookhaven High School. A traditional graduation ceremony had been scheduled for June 19, but the school is also developing a virtual graduation.

The purpose of the virtual graduation is to get pictures of all the students in their cap and gown. This took place Monday and Tuesday.

Pictures taken those days will be edited and made into a virtual ceremony, which will be released on May 22, the original date for graduation.

Lincoln County

The Lincoln County School District announced its plans Friday for the four county schools. Each school will have slightly different plans, but they will each have virtual graduation.

On May 4, each school in the district will announce their valedictorian and salutatorian. Commencement exercises have been scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for May 11 to 14.

The schools will celebrate starting with Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, followed by Enterprise Attendance Center, West Lincoln Attendance Center and ending with Loyd Star Attendance Center.

Seniors at their respective schools will have a specific time to be recognized. They will only be allowed an entourage of eight people.

A videographer and a photographer will capture the events on film and create a single production. Speeches given by the valedictorian and salutatorian will be recorded separately and edited in.

Brookhaven Academy

Brookhaven Academy will host commencement exercises May 13-15, beginning at 4 p.m.  Seniors will be assigned a day alphabetically.

Each senior will have a 15-minute time slot to be recognized, receive awards and scholarships and give speeches. Only the senior and four vehicles will be allowed to enter the main gate.

A podium will be set up outside and the four allotted vehicles will have parking spaces available to view the student receiving their diploma. The ceremony will be broadcast on the radio and also recorded.

 

Story by Gracie Byrnes