LEXINGTON, Ky. — With many changes in place, the Fayette County Public School District held in-person graduation Wednesday for three of their schools at Rupp Arena. 

What You Need To Know

  • Fayette County Public Schools had in-person graduation at Rupp Arena

  • Groups were asked to purchase tickets beforehand to accommodate for social distancing

  • Masks were required for everyone over the age of 5

  • The school district broke up the graduation ceremonies with three schools on Wednesday and three schools on Thursday

“For the seniors this year we didn't really get a lot, we didn't get a senior year, actually, I think we got half of it but I mean it doesn't really count to me, so the fact that we're all here together it's kind of crazy actually it's for some seen a lot of these people in about a year so,” Maddie Selack, Henry Clay senior said. 

Since the start of the pandemic, these high schoolers are finally starting to see some normalcy. Selack, along with her senior class was able to walk across the stage to receive her diploma in person. 

“I’m a little upset that we don't get to shake the hand of the person but I think that as long as they're doing all of this we get to actually have a graduation and I'm totally fine with it,” Selack said.

The graduation was held inside Rupp Arena where everyone participating in the graduation ceremony was required to wear a mask throughout the duration of the event. Irene Kim says today was the first time she has seen some of her classmates in over a year. 

“Some people I haven't seen all year. Some kids have been online, some kids I've been in person with, so I'm super excited everyone's just gathered here all the online kids too, and some friends I haven't seen in like a year so it's amazing. Yeah, super excited,” Kim said.

Each student was allowed four guests to attend the ceremony in person. James McMillin, the Chief of High Schools says after conversations with officials, they limited the tickets for each student to properly accommodate for social distancing. 

“Just being able to do all these for our students and being able to have the support not only from our health department from the governor from the state health department to do these types of things and give our students these experiences. This is a once in a lifetime experience and I'm so glad we're back in Rupp Arena,” McMillin said. 

The school district split up the graduation ceremonies with Henry Clay, Frederick Douglas and Takes Creek on Wednesday and Lafayette, Bryan Station and Paul Laurence Dunbar on Thursday.