Tamzyn Pendleton
Photo Editor
This year’s seniors, the Class of 2020, had the option to participate in a drive-thru procession of graduates on Friday, May 29. The official commencement will take place during a virtual graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12.
“This year’s ceremony essentially has two parts: the drive thru ceremony and the virtual ceremony–the drive thru is designed to allow students a special moment to wear their caps and gowns and the virtual ceremony to acknowledge all the honors and speeches of a traditional graduation,” senior advisor Cari Swoboda said.
The Drive Thru Procession of Graduates was held on May 29, 2020 in the SHS parking lot. The graduation ceremony was very similar to the traditional ceremony, with the Pomp and Circumstances playing as the graduates walked across the stage as their name was being read. Photographers were also present to take photos of the graduates. However, due to ODE guidelines every senior was required to wear a mask as they walked across the stage and did not remove them until they reentered the car. This Drive Thru graduation ceremony was a way to celebrate and congratulate the graduating seniors for all their hard work.
The virtual graduation will be held on Friday, June 12 at 7 p.m. (viewing access information will be distributed as the date approaches).
“The virtual graduation ceremony will look similar to a traditional graduation,” vice-principal Sarah Dorn said. “Valedictorians will record speeches that will be shared during the ceremony, Principal Ball will announce the Sandy High School Class of 2020 Most Outstanding Senior, and each graduate will be announced.”
The graduate’s photo will be presented as the senior’s name is read and there will be a designated time for the graduates to turn their tassels, as well as throw graduation caps. More information will be provided through ParentVUE, social media, and the Calendar of Events provided to students.
“We are sad that we can’t celebrate with the students and their families, but I think the drive up and virtual ceremony will be something the class of 2020 will never forget,” senior advisor Tara Finngan.
In addition to the Drive Thru Procession of the Graduates and the virtual graduation ceremony, other ways SHS has honored the class of 2020 is by handing out lawn signs, installing billboards and other signage around Sandy.
Digital arts teacher Andrew Schaffer has helped put together yard signs and billboards and dedicated many hours in order to ensure that the virtual ceremonies are professional quality.
“The least we can do is put together something that still honors seniors for all their hard work, even if it looks very different than usual,” Schaffer said.
Although the class of 2020 has missed out on many SHS traditions due to the COVID-19 development, these are just a couple ways SHS is trying to “honor these students, recognize their accomplishments, and celebrate their success,” Swoboda said.
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