Graduation plans change

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photo by Kaitlin O'Donnell

Kaitlin O’Donnell was one of the original three speakers at graduation along with Grace Maddron and Artie Nayak. She and Brian Gifford, Valedictorian, will present full speeches during graduation video.

Due to school being canceled for the remainder of the year and social distancing orders by the CDC, this year’s graduation plans have been changed unlike those prior.

The district announced two plans for this year. The first graduation plan only works if social distancing rules have been lifted before June 11, but if they have not then the second graduation plan takes place on July 16. The plans both include a senior dance at the high school that will be free to Hagerty seniors and $25 for guests. High schools will also issue refunds for prom and Grad Bash. The following day after the dance there will be a graduation held on the football field at 8:20 p.m. If there is rain, then the graduation will occur the next morning. For people who can not attend in-person, the graduations will be live-streamed.

In addition to the current summer graduation plans, the district plans to conduct virtual graduations for each of the high schools. Students will be able to submit a graduation picture and have their picture appear on screen as their name is called. Additionally, schools will also be able to include valedictorian speeches, a principal’s address and videos provided by the school.

“I’m just grateful that we can still have a ceremony,” senior Grace Maddron said. “Obviously it’s not going to happen the way everyone wanted it to, but I’m so glad I’ll still be able to walk across the stage.”

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