Carpenter High School graduates will have the opportunity to participate in the first in-person graduation ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic began. (File photo/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Graduation

Carpenter High School grads preparing to walk the stage at in-person grad ceremony

Jun 16, 2021 | 2:16 PM

Nearly 100 Carpenter High School graduates will be participating in a more traditional style graduation ceremony this year now that COVID-19 restrictions are becoming more relaxed. At this time last year, students were involved in a virtual grad that did not involve a grad ceremony.

Vice-principal Jesse Shakotko described watching last year’s grad as disappointing, leading the staff to make sure the students were given a better send-off this year.

“It was really a lot tougher year, and we had a lot more restrictions than last year. But, we committed to doing whatever we could, and we’ve decided to do completely live ceremony,” Shakotko said.

This year’s grad will take place outside of Carpenter High. The graduating class will be divided in half, with one half of the grads taking part in a ceremony at 11 a.m., and the other half doing the same around 1 p.m. Both groups will have their own valedictorian as Shakotko mentioned there were two equally talented candidates with outstanding performances.

Instead of sitting on the stage as grads would do in a normal year, they will be seated in the audience with their two invited guests while having the recommended distance between others in attendance. Only those who have purchased grad tickets will be allowed to attend the event.

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There will be a virtual component of the grad available on the Carpenter High School Facebook page for those that will not be able or do not wish to attend the grad in person.

The ceremony is being planned as an outdoor event so masks won’t be required, but there is also a contingency plan in place that will allow the event to be moved into the school if unforeseen circumstances, like poor weather conditions, were to develop.

A designated area is expected to be available to attendees who wish to take grad photos.

Shakotko shared the students have demonstrated resiliency and perseverance in the face of challenges they’ve overcome throughout the year, adding he wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

“We’re just trying to give the grads the best memories that we can give them during this time. It’s been a really hard year for them, and I’ve said it before to them in their classes just how proud we are of how adaptable they’ve been this year,” Shakotko said.

“It hasn’t been an easy year, especially for Grade 12. It’s been really hard for these kids to not have a lot of the freedoms they’ve had, and they’ve done really well and we’re really proud of them. We hope they can go on and be successful wherever they are.”

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp