Written by Sia Shekhar
Seniors last year did not receive an in-person commencement due to the pandemic. Flash forward to this year, the pandemic persists—but seniors are fortunately receiving an in-person graduation ceremony.
Commencement will take place on Sunday, June 6, at 10 a.m. on the football field. There will be one ceremony, with seniors afforded six tickets. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be shifted to the gym, although students will only be allowed four tickets. Due to the removal of the mask mandate, students and guests will not be required to wear masks outside, but will be if the ceremony is moved to the gym. Furthermore, all the rentals such as audio equipment and a stage have been finalized.
Planning the graduation ceremony has been a challenge for administration. Jim Smokrovich, principal of East Ridge High School says, “I’ve been a principal for 23 years in the state of Minnesota, 6 years in East Ridge, and this has probably been the hardest two years of my career.”
The reason for this is having to navigate a pandemic while balancing the needs of the student body. There are too many unknowns, and trying to do the right thing means that some are bound to end up unhappy while some are satisfied, said Smokrovich. The growing anxiety and depression of students as well as adults is also a prominent factor, and must be taken into consideration when planning big events such as this.
President of the Black Student Union and graduating senior Moses Yazachew is ecstatic to be able to celebrate with his entire graduating class. “I’m super excited about it, it feels like we’re actually getting something. Everything has changed because of COVID, and now we finally get something that we’ve been looking forward to since we got to high school.”
For Student Council president and graduating senior Becca Poor, she is beyond grateful her grade can have a full in-person ceremony as well. “I think it's really nice. We've all been together these past four years, some of us the last twelve years. So I think it's cool to be able to see all of us walk across the stage together. I don't think we would've made it through these past twelve years if we didn't have each other there supporting us in small and big ways.”
Becca claims that although she can’t speak on behalf of the entire senior class, having a graduation ceremony is enough, as compared to what seniors last year received. “Just getting to be able to have a graduation ceremony is a really big deal because you do get to walk across the stage and you get to do that with all of your fellow classmates who have been with you for the last four years...It’s a nice closing memento to have and it's a big deal to get your diploma from your principal and be surrounded by all of the other people with you.”
