VHS GRADUATION Updated FAQ’s
Q: When will Valentine High School graduation ceremony be held?
A: Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. CST. It will be a virtual ceremony and available online through the district website. A web address to view will be released on May 16.
Q: What will the virtual ceremony include?
A: The virtual ceremony will include as many of the same features as a traditional graduation ceremony as possible. Included will be:
· Presentation of Class
· Senior Speakers
· Presentation of Diplomas by a person of the student’s choosing, captured by video or picture submitted by the student, to be integrated into the virtual ceremony.
Prior to the virtual ceremony, students will have access to their cap and gown, and their diploma if they have completed the requirements for graduation.
The newspaper will publish excerpts of the speeches and the scholarships awarded to each student.
Q: If the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic on gatherings are lifted, will there be another ceremony/celebration?
A: July 31 has been determined to be the date to hold a graduation ceremony/celebration re-enactment in person, at the high school for the Class of 2020 if possible. This will include the opportunity for students to walk across the stage, wear their cap, gown, honor cords, etc., diploma presentation, and take pictures. If restrictions on group sizes are not lifted at that time, this date will not be rescheduled.
Q: Why not just wait to hold the ceremony until July 31?
A: As a school and district, we want every student to be recognized and celebrated for their accomplishment of high school graduation. We know that by waiting, some students will already be on to their future plans and likely won’t be able to be part of the graduation celebration/ceremony. Community members and parents have indicated that they feel it is important for students to be able to experience graduation together, as a class. Sadly, that is not possible at this time in the traditional sense, but it is possible in a virtual sense. It is also important to remember that if a gathering is not possible in July, and a ceremony is not held now, it is then likely that there would not be a ceremony at all. We would rather err on the side of having two maybe similar ceremonies/celebrations rather than miss the opportunity to honor the Senior Class of 2020.
Q: Why make a decision now?
A: The last quarter of the 2019-2020 school year has been unusual due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Class of 2020 will no doubt have many and unusual memories associated with that. Staying with a scheduled event, although done differently than in years past, hopefully provides some continuity and stability in an unsettled time. It is important for the school and the district to be sure to honor and celebrate all of the graduating class of 2020.