WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — High school graduation is looking different this year for seniors in Northeast Ohio due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the Warrensville Heights School District is getting creative with the celebration, which includes a drive-thru watch party and individual ceremonies.
Beginning May 8 through May 12, the district will hold individual graduation ceremonies where each senior will come dressed in their cap and gown, and while hearing their name called, will receive their diploma.
The district hired a photographer and a local film company to capture the graduation. Each individual ceremony will be compiled into one graduation video, along with other traditional programming elements like the African American National Anthem, Valedictorian and Salutatorian Address and a commencement speaker.
The completed graduation video will be shared with seniors and their families at a drive-thru watch party on the original date of graduation, Tuesday, May 19. After the film, graduates will participate in a vehicle procession around the city.
"We understand that this is not what seniors anticipated graduation would look like when they started their final year of high school. However, we hope that this unique approach will still give the Class of 2020 and their families a memorable experience while maintaining a safe and socially distant environment to keep us all safe,” said Superintendent Donald Jolly.
