What does a social-distancing graduation look like? Here’s how Biloxi did it.
While the coronavirus took away the final semester of senior year for the 2020 Biloxi High School graduating class, faculty and staff organized a way for the seniors to have in-person graduation.
The high school held graduations over three days, each with three 30-minute sessions of 40 seniors spaced out chairs on the gym floor.
Six family members could attend for each graduating senior, and they were assigned seating to help encourage social distancing between families.
Between sessions, crews sanitized each bleacher, handrail and chair.
Marcus Boudreaux, who was promoted from principal to district superintendent earlier this year, gave a short speech ahead of each graduation.
“What I can tell you is that this group of young adults has faced adversity, conquered adversity, and they are stronger individuals because of it,” Boudreaux said.
“They were born right after the 9/11 tragedy that changed America forever. Fast forward a few years, and they entered kindergarten just in time for post-Katrina school.
“Here today they stand facing a new adversity: a global pandemic.”
Principal Teresa Martin then read each of the senior’s names to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, without handshakes.
The students were then declared graduates of Biloxi High, and each threw their caps up and back to themselves to stay within social distancing guidelines.
Each session was recorded and will be made into one video for the graduating class, including speeches from the valedictorian and salutatorian.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 5:50 AM.