Ceremonies — albeit very different ceremonies than are traditional — celebrating graduating seniors at all five Acadia Parish public schools have been announced.
Superintendent Scott Richard, in a statement released Thursday afternoon, explained that the global pandemic associated with COVID-19 has prohibited schools from conducting “the traditional ceremonies we are accustomed to.”
While specific times and details will be worked out by the individual schools, ceremonies will be held on May 22, at the Midland High campus and on May 23 at the Crowley High, Rayne High, Church Point High and Iota High campuses.
Richard said. “In the best interest of everyone’s safety and out of an abundance of caution, we’ve worked to develop alternative plans for graduation that will allow for diplomas to be conferred in a format whereby students will individually receive their diplomas and awards at each school.”
The general format, according to the superintendent, will allow for:
— Each senior student, along with a small, limited number of guests, to arrive on campus in full cap and gown attire in a staged area,
— Proceed to receive their diploma,
— Allow for photographs, and
— For each senior to receive a complimentary electronic compilation version of the entire graduation process for each school.
Each high school will send more specific details.
— individual arrival times, parking areas, staging areas, etc — regarding the process that will need to be followed, Richard explained.
“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work to commemorate the accomplishments of the Acadia Parish School System Class of 2020,” said Richard.
