BACK TO SCHOOL

Schools Get Creative With Graduation Plans For Class Of 2021

Mar 16, 2021, 10:50 PM | Updated: 11:01 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Graduation for the Class of 2021 is still a couple of months away, but schools are already brainstorming ideas of how they’ll handle celebrations this year.

Last year, the pandemic forced schools to cancel traditional graduation ceremonies and the Class of 2020 had to get creative. Many schools held car parades and some even had celebrations on the ski lifts, while others held virtual celebrations.

“I will say there aren’t too many people who want to do a virtual graduation again. Those were nice and so much work went into them, but I don’t think anyone will shed tears if we don’t do that again,” said Lane Findlay, spokesperson for the Weber School District.

Going back to a pre-pandemic ceremony still isn’t possible, but this year, many high schools are trying to do something more traditional for graduation.

Jordan High School sent out a survey to parents and students. Should they do a car parade again? Or hold their graduation on the football field?

“It was 80% to 20%, so they overwhelmingly wanted a traditional ceremony,” said Wendy Dau, principal of Jordan High School. “The drive-through was a good compromise last year but it was clear that we wanted to go back to those traditional kinds of celebrations.”

There was no question — most students wanted a traditional ceremony, even if it meant holding two separate graduation nights.

“I feel like actually being able to sit there together and soak in, like, ‘Wow, we’re the graduating class of 2021,’ it’s more heartfelt, I feel like,” said Davion Washington, a graduating senior.

Jordan High will bring in extra bleachers for social distancing. Seniors can invite up to four guests each and students will choose which night to graduate, so they can walk across the stage on the same night as their friends.

“There’s been so many kids I’ve known since kindergarten and we just want to be together for one last time,” said Brooklyn Wagner, student body president.

“I think that’s the closest we’re going to get to normal this year,” said Michelle Dominguez, a graduating senior.

KSL checked with all the larger school districts in Utah. While many are still working on graduation plans, others are formulating ideas.

Like Jordan High, the Weber School District is planning to hold its ceremonies outside. So is the Nebo School District, which will have most of their graduations at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. The Granite School District is planning a senior graduation night party. Students will have to take a COVID-19 test to attend.

A new building for Hillcrest High School is currently under construction and the old school will be completely torn down in June. That goes for the auditorium as well.

“This auditorium is unique. It’s one of the biggest in the state and it has some of the most famous productions,” said Hillcrest High Principal Greg Leavitt.

Hillcrest High is recognized across the country for performing arts, but a graduation ceremony has never been held in the auditorium. This year will be the first and last time graduates walk the stage. Since large groups can’t gather, seniors and their families will have staggered graduation times. It will be a special send-off for the Class of 2021.

“They deserve it. They’re remarkable students. Their resilience has been amazing. What other class has been through something like this?” said Leavitt.

Many schools are still planning graduation events like car parades. But because circumstances are changing so rapidly with vaccines and the mask mandate, many are holding off a bit longer to finalize plans.

KSL 5 TV Live

Back to School

Holly Duke teaches all-day kindergarten at West Kearns Elementary....

Deanie Wimmer

High stakes of kindergarten readiness; what Utah schools are doing to improve student performance

Ready for kindergarten used to mean a child turned five by the cutoff date. But as the stakes and expectations get higher, teachers are encountering some surprising behaviors.

6 months ago

This week KSL+ looks at what school districts describe as “chronic absenteeism” in Utah’s sch...

Braden McElreath and Michael Houck, KSL TV

8 Utah schools have been placed on lockdown since the start 2023-2024 school year

In just two and a half weeks, seven Utah schools have issued seven lockdown protocols. 

7 months ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Dan Rascon

Bingham High seniors petition due to school parking shortage

Some Bingham High School seniors in South Jordan, say a new parking policy for students is now preventing them from finding open stalls.

7 months ago

The outside of Ella Vista Elementary School. (KSL TV)...

Shelby Lofton

Bella Vista Elementary starts school year without air conditioning

Another Utah school is starting its school year without any AC.

7 months ago

McKinley Elementary School, Box Elder County School District. (KSL TV)...

Karah Brackin and Mary Culbertson, KSL TV

Box Elder School District among the last to head back to school; largely due to the County Fair

Box Elder School District heads back to school as one of the last districts to do so in the state. While they have unique factors to consider, students and administration are pumped for the new school year.

7 months ago

The Timekettle Translator earbuds that Herriman High School uses for their international students....

Karah Brackin and Michael Houck, KSL TV

New translation device helps international students in classes and studies

As Herriman High School continues to see the number of international students increasing, the school is turning to a game-changing device that is helping break down the language barrier.

7 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Schools Get Creative With Graduation Plans For Class Of 2021