The class of 2019-2020 had a memorable graduating year- but it was possibly for the wrong reasons.
As the COVID-19 pandemic derailed plans, ceremonies and trips all over the place, graduating classes were robbed of end-of-the-year festivities, and as the days go by it’s becoming more apparent that those are things the ’19-’20 graduating class still deserves.
Which is exactly why the Thames Valley District School Board announced they’ll be holding virtual online graduation ceremonies for last year’s graduates, taking place this November.
When speaking with TVDSB Superintendent Paul Sydor, he explained how the ceremonies are meant to celebrate the many years each student has spent in the TVDSB system, while acknowledging their achievement of completing their schooling. Superintendent Sydor also added that families will be able to contact their child’s school to retrieve a copy of the virtual ceremony.
Back in June, the Thames Valley District School Board announced a similar celebration for their graduates, calling it “Go Gold For Grads”- where the School Board encouraged the community to decorate businesses, households, lawns and more with congratulatory symbols and messages for the ’19-’20 class. Paul Sydor also spoke about Go Gold For Grads:
“It was a goal for us to try to light up all the communities in Thames Valley, from West Lorne to Tilsonburg; and to do that in recognition of the achievements and the accomplishments of our students. But a formal commencement ceremony is a bit different.”
Feeling Festive, Viking Style!!@ABLucasVikings @TVDSB @directorelliott @PaulMcKenzie18 @rose_kuiper @JAFPratt @ValerieNielsen pic.twitter.com/KpUBDLhTel
— Paul Sydor (@PaulSydor) December 20, 2016
TVDSB Superintendent Paul Sydor, photographed with colleagues.
Students and their families won’t be getting the usual type of in-person commencement ceremony this year, but it’s still expected to be a good time. They’re still going to have guest speakers, awards, etc. but it will have to be conducted virtually. It’s been a year full of changes, and this is just another shift in the way we regularly do things.
At the very least, the students are getting their opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with their classmates; and that is something they can now look forward to this November.
Families are encouraged to reach out to their school for more information regarding dates, and other important information for their big day.
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