One victim of the coronavirus is a rite of passage for thousands of young Nevadans: the high school graduation ceremony.
Though Clark County School District hasn't officially decided when and how high school seniors will be able to graduate, given what other schools across the nation have done, some seniors will likely be picking up their diplomas in drive-thru fashion instead of walking across a stage. Others may celebrate online with loved ones or plan for the day when they can gather in person.
“They wanted to continue, even if it was down the road, with some recognition ceremonies,” said Mike Barton, chief college and career adviser for the Clark County School District. “They were very adamant that they want to be celebrated.”
Barton told State of Nevada that there is empathy throughout the district for the plight of seniors.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from our students,” he said. “They want to be recognized now and we get it.”
Desert Pines High School senior Skyylar Jordan said no celebrations are planned and students are taking things one step at a time.
“We are going to be picking up our diplomas, our senior awards, our caps and gowns in the next two weeks at a curbside pickup at the school,” she said. “I think we’re going to go from there.”
Skyylar Jordan, senior, Desert Pines High School; Ana Murphy, senior, Las Vegas Academy of the Arts; Anthony “AJ” Vanchieri, senior, Faith Lutheran High School; Chris Kearney, professor and psychology department chair, UNLV; Mike Barton, chief college, career, equity and school choice officer, CCSD
