Chalmette HS to do "virtual" graduation

I know this sucks for the seniors, but it seems like Chalmette HS is trying to make the best of a bad situation. I wonder if other schools will do something similar.

Graduation - We want nothing more than to host a traditional graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020, but it is important that we continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our community in the coming weeks and months. After much deliberation and consideration, we have made the decision to recognize the Class of 2020 in a virtual commencement ceremony.

Our goal is to use technology to make graduation personal and memorable. We will broadcast a prerecorded ceremony featuring the traditional Chalmette High School graduation program that our community has come to know and love - with some very special touches. This year’s graduation will celebrate the achievements of close to 550 graduates. With social distancing recommendations still in place, we are not able to gather a crowd of that size for some time. We are committed to making this ceremony as meaningful as if it were live.

We know that the most meaningful moment in a senior’s educational career is walking across the stage and receiving his or her diploma. We are committed to making this still happen. This year’s ceremony will not be held at the UNO Lakefront Arena; instead, seniors will have the opportunity to be filmed walking across the Chalmette High School graduation stage in their cap and gown alongside a small number of family members.

Seniors will be allowed to enter the Chalmette Cultural Arts Center with 4 family members on specific dates and times.

Seniors will be recognized and walk across the stage to receive their diploma.

This ceremony will be recorded over several days as only a limited number of people (students and family members) will be allowed in the building at a time.

Our virtual graduation will also recognize all of our honor graduates, scholarship winners and award recipients.

Graduation speeches will also be a part of this special event.

These moments and other highlights will be edited and broadcast on several platforms for our families and community to view.

The night of the broadcast will also include small, live watch parties throughout the community. More information about how to get virtually involved will be available in the coming weeks.

The specific dates, times, and instructions will be given to seniors at the May 6 and May 7 Senior Supply Days.