It is a very unusual high school graduation for all graduating grade 12s in 2020.
St. Joseph-Scollard Hall decided on a "combination graduation" which includes a short drive up graduation ceremony which started on Thursday and wrapped up Friday afternoon.
Derek Belanger is the St. Joseph-Scollard Hall principal. Like many other schools, Scollard Hall went to its students to see what they wanted as a final high school sendoff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Once the schools closed a couple of months ago we started talking to our grade 12s and we surveyed them," explained Belanger about their 165 student graduating class.
"We knew we wanted to do something especially with everything going on we just felt it was extremely important to recognize them. We knew the virtual was going to happen just because of all the speeches so that is something we were able to do fairly easily."
Belanger says they worked with the area health unit to devise their own version of a drive up graduation.
"They came to the school, put on a cap and gown, get a couple of photos and a few staff here saying good-bye and wishing them all the best," he said.
Belanger feels it was also important to do something virtual which will take place on Friday night at 6 p.m. and include guest speakers, as well as virtually handing out awards and bursaries online.
"We tried to replicate what it would normally look like at the Capitol Centre," Belanger said.
"We tried to do our best to have that look and feel of our traditional grad ceremony. Unfortunately, we cannot gather together but we are hoping with their families from the comforts of their home they will be able to watch it and hopefully have the same feel and get to see their picture up there when the call of graduates comes up."
