FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, college and high school graduates across the country are losing out on the opportunity to walk the stage with their fellow classmates. Many schools are hosting virtual commencements, but some are offering more creative solutions for the Class of 2020.
- Fairview High School is holding individual ceremonies in the school's auditorium for all 130 students graduating
- Each graduate can bring 5 family members to the ceremony to watch
- Teachers will be on the front lawn cheering them on
What You Need To Know
"Commencement is the celebration of pretty much the 13 years that these kids have put into their education, so you know we don't take that very lightly here, and they deserve something, you know, they've lost so much this year and all the staff, all the administrators, we just feel awful," said Chris Vicha, principal for Fairview High School.
Fairview High School, located in a suburb of Cleveland, will be holding individual ceremonies in the school's auditorium over several days for all 130 students graduating. Each graduate can bring five family members to the ceremony to watch as they walk across the stage, get their diploma and picture taken.
Teachers will be on the front lawn cheering as each graduate closes one of their most important chapters in life.
"There's such a family feel within this district that we just want to do more for our kids, they deserve it. They have really matured a lot through this process and understanding, you know, bigger issues in the world and what the world is going through right now, and I'm just, I'm really proud of them just for coming along with me on this journey and it's gonna be very special for them and their families," said Vicha.
"I love the way our school is handling it. I think it's a great opportunity to let our students walk the stage and allow us to have a sense of closure for the school year, it's great that they're allowing us to not walk the stage with our classmates, but do it so spiritually, like they're still there in our hearts, even though we can't see them," said Paola Espinoza, senior class president.
Fairview High Schools' graduation will be held June 8, 9 and 10.
The district is also inviting the Class of 2020 back during the next winter break to make up for missing out on prom and other special events.
"It's definitely frustrating, it's frustrating to see that the classes past have gotten, you know, their opportunity to shine and that we get the lower end of the stick, but it's not bad, we have to be courteous and gracious that they're even doing this for us," said Espinoza.