Burlington High School has decided to have a drive-in ceremony. The students will pass by their school in advance to pick up a special package that will contain a yearbook, any awards, as well as their caps and gowns to wear at the ceremony. The care package will also include instructions on how to drive up to the ceremony.
Some logistics are still being worked out. Principal Mark Sullivan said that on the day of the graduation ceremony, parents and students will drive to the school, and staff will direct them on how to queue around the building and in the field. Poster printing can be used to help guide traffic. 20 students per batch will walk to the stage, get a photo taken, and then exit the field. Sullivan also said:
“The plan is to keep it moving quickly, each student in and out under two minutes. I walked from the road into the field, stopped for photos, and that took a minute and 10 seconds.”
The entire ceremony is expected to last about eight hours. The decision to proceed with graduations in this manner came after numerous consultations with other school districts, the board, and the student council.
Not everyone was happy with the decision, and some parties were trying to push the event until August. Nonetheless, the ceremony will be held this Sunday, June 7.