Drive-by graduations, recorded speeches? Here’s how SC schools may hold commencement

However South Carolina honors its 2020 high school graduates, it’s not going to be the same as other years.

At a Wednesday press conference, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster urged high schools to do something for graduation, and promised to give districts “flexibility” on how exactly to replace the typical cap and gown ceremonies.

With coronavirus causing school to be canceled until at least the end of the current school year, students, parents and educators have been suggesting ideas for what to do for seniors.

The State asked the department for what school districts were considering for graduation. Here are a few examples:

• Conduct graduation with students, teachers, principals, etc. but not an audience. Live stream the ceremony for parents, relatives, alumni and more,
• Limit the number of audience members by requiring them to get tickets,
• Record addresses from students, board members and other who would usually speak at graduation,
• Schedule times for students to stop by the graduation stage in their cap and gown and get a picture,
• Record a voice-over with each student’s accomplishments and package it into a video for the entire graduating class,
• A drive-by graduation in which students/parents gather in their cars and drive together to the high school. School staff in protective gear would hand the student his or her degree and another would ask them to move their tassels. Those who want to support graduates can make signs and place them along the route,
• A drive-by graduation where videos of each student receiving his or her degree is projected on a big screen,
• Giving a package to seniors that includes: a yard sign with the student’s name and picture, a t-shirt with signatures from every member of the senior class and all awards the graduate would have received at commencement.

Plans are still in flux, and at least one district, Richland 2, has a backup plan. Ideally, Richland 2 wants to hold its graduation ceremony in July if possible, but if not, the district has reserved Colonial Life Arena for Aug. 5 and 6, according to a previous article from The State.