Celebrating 2020 high school grads

BARRHEAD-Barrhead Composite High School (BCHS) 2020 graduates will have a graduation ceremony, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it will look and feel different than in past years.

BCHS principal Darcie Eamor said planning the ceremony has been difficult because of the ever-changing restrictions and guidelines imposed not only by Alberta Health Services (AHS) but Alberta Education.

"We are doing our best to come up with a plan that honours the 2020 grad class in a very authentic and memorable way," she said.

Eamor also noted BCHS' staff and grad committee delayed finalizing a grad ceremony in hopes that with the government's relaunch plan would be relaxed so that they could have as much student and community participation as possible.

To allow grads and their families to make plans, Eamor noted they couldn't delay any longer.

In the end, the committee opted for an online ceremony mirroring the school's traditional ceremony were dignitaries such as the Pembina Hills School Division Supt. Dave Garbutt, school board trustees as well as the MLA and MP will be invited to speak. This is in addition to addresses from Eamor, other school staff, as well as hopefully parents and other students.

Due to the physical distancing issues, the ceremony will be pre-taped from multiple locations, stitched together and then broadcast live via Youtube on June 26.

"We are still trying to figure out all the details because there is a lot of moving details," she said.

In addition, a day before the ceremony large placards with the student's grad photo will be placed in front of the school to give members of the community a chance to recognize the grads. The pictures will remain in front of the school until about 7 p.m., they will then be taken down so that they can be given to grads during a drive-through farewell parade so staff can celebrate with the students.

"We [BCHS staff] miss the kids terribly and although graduation is a special time for students and their family and friends, it is just as important for staff members," she said.

Before the ceremony grads will be able to pick up their graduation package that includes their cap and gown so that family members have a chance for family photographs.

Eamor said the parent committee is also planning a separate celebration for grads in lieu of the evening dinner and dance.

The Town and Country This Week reached out to the parent committee for comment, but as of press deadline didn't receive a reply.

"We are erring on the side of caution for everyone's safety but we want to make sure the grads have a special and memorable day to celebrate their achievement," she said.

The Barrhead Leader is also publishing a 2020 grad book that will be included in the June 16, the book will also be a part of the students’ grad packages.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com

TOWNandCOUNTRY

COVID-19 UPDATE: Follow our COVID-19 special section for the latest local and national news on the coronavirus pandemic, as well as resources, FAQs and more.