Secondary Schools Take New Approach to Commencement Ceremonies

Posted On Monday November 30, 2020
Ravneet Mall, graduate of J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, receives her diploma from Vice Principal Saamah Jadoon.
Ravneet Mall, graduate of J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, receives her diploma from Vice Principal Saamah Jadoon.

Secondary school administrators from Ajax, Oshawa, Cannington and Whitby share how they made graduation special amid COVID-19 restrictions

Since last March, Durham District School Board (DDSB) students and staff have adjusted their daily routines as they continue to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those adjustments includes holding commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020 in October and November, instead of in June.

Secondary schools have made a concerted effort to make their students’ graduations a memorable experience, regardless of restrictions. Here are just a few examples of how this year’s commencement ceremonies were celebrated in the DDSB.

J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, Ajax

Jeffrey Maharaj, Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. We celebrated our graduates by hosting a drive-thru graduation that was scheduled by appointment. Everyone wore masks and we handed out diplomas and J. Clarke Richardson-themed chocolate bars to students, while they remained in their vehicles. Cars were decorated with balloons, and everyone brought the JCR STORM spirit!

Click the following link to view a video of the drive-thru graduation celebration on the @JCR_Storm Twitter page: https://twitter.com/JCR_Storm/status/1316746557593653249

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year? 

A. We had 444 graduates in total this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class? 

A. Congratulations Richardson’s Class of 2020! We are so proud of you and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Maxwell Heights Secondary School, Oshawa

Melissa Hunte, Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. In recognizing the importance of celebrating this important milestone, we opted for a ‘Commencement Drive-Thru’ event, which took place over three days and we encouraged families to sign up for a timeslot. We had a pick-up area designated for the grad cap, diploma, and gift. We also had a separate area decorated with balloons, where families could take pictures of and with their graduate. Everything was safe, effective, and efficient. The event was very well received – parents/guardians were over the moon proud and the graduates were happy to celebrate their achievement!

Check out more of our grad photos on the Maxwell Heights SS Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/maxwell.heights.ss/?hl=en

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year? 

A. We had approximately 380 graduates this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class? 

It must be clearly stated and recognized that COVID-19 did not reduce, or take away, the multitude of experiences and varied accomplishments achieved during your four years of high school! Your Ontario Secondary School Diploma signifies an accumulation of hard work, dedication, fond memories, and perseverance from so many challenging, yet rewarding situations throughout your time at Maxwell Heights SS.

You all have a lot to be proud of! Congratulations and good luck!

Brock High School, Cannington

James Klodnicki, Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. We offered two ways for families to celebrate. First, we set up a drive-thru commencement ceremony. Families stayed in their vehicles, but students were able to walk the red carpet and get their photos taken by a professional photographer. Second, we presented a virtual commencement ceremony on our YouTube channel, that families could view from the comfort of home. This included remarks from Director Marsh, Chair Braney, Trustee Morton and our current Student Trustee Logan Keeler. After former Student Trustee Tyler West delivered his valedictorian speech, a slideshow with every single graduate’s photo and any awards they received was shown. Approximately 300 people have watched the virtual commencement video on our YouTube channel.

I think this new approach to a graduation ceremony made it far more impactful for students and their families. We were able to make every student feel valued and recognized.

The following link shows one of our graduates, Owen Scetto, walking the red carpet outside the school: https://twitter.com/BrockHighSchool/status/1314676243556691968.

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year? 

A. We had 96 graduates this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class? 

A. Despite the tremendous impact of a pandemic, you matter to us and continue to matter to us. We are so incredibly proud of your achievements and we are greatly anticipating your successes in the future.

Sinclair Secondary School, Whitby

Cheryl Rock, Vice Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. Following social distancing protocol, Sinclair SS graduates were celebrated through a virtual commencement video which premiered on November 6 and is posted on our YouTube channel for families to view until the end of December. The pre-recorded video included greetings from Director Marsh and Chair Braney, special awards announcements, a slideshow showing each graduate and a speech made by 2020 Valedictorian Alexander Gallimore. Currently the video has over 800 views! Graduates received their diplomas and awards via a drive-thru pick up process organized by appointment and located at the main entrance of the school.

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year? 

We had 326 graduates this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class? 

A. We are proud of our graduating class of 2020! Their tenacity and dedication has brought them to the finish line. We wish them continued success in all of their future endeavours.