Yadkin Superintendent Sets Graduation Dates
Forbush, Starmount seniors ask for a delayed ceremony
BOONVILLE-High school seniors in Yadkin County will graduate twice this summer, once in front of a camera and once in person. Todd Martin, Superintendent of Yadkin County Schools, said he agreed with the idea after getting feedback from students, principals and school board members.
“I can tell you that as the parent of a senior, this has been an emotional time for me,” Martin said in a May 8 message that went out to seniors. “As a father, I have hurt for my daughter because she has lost so many great things that come with being a senior in high school. That’s why I think it is critical that we honor our seniors in the best ways we can when it comes to graduation ceremonies.”
Over the last few weeks in Yadkin County, Martin brought together a committee to make a decision on graduation. That included principals from Forbush, Starmount and Yadkin Early College, as well as a senior student representative from each high school, a graduation advisor from each high school and two school board members, along with Martin himself. Overall, he said, the message they received was clear.
“Across the district, the feedback the members of the committee received was that the majority of seniors at our high schools indicated they would like for the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 to be delayed until later in the summer,” Martin said. The hope, he added, was that by delaying graduation, seniors would be able to have a more traditional ceremony.
Setting Dates For Graduation
As a result of the feedback, Martin agreed to push back graduation dates. Currently, Forbush High School’s graduation ceremony is set to take place on Friday, July 31 at 9 a.m. The Yadkin Early College will take place later that evening, at a time still to be determined and Starmount High will graduate on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 8:30 a.m. Once Early College finalizes a graduation time, the school will alert students and parents.
“I believe we have arrived at a decision that will appropriately honor our students who have lost so much,” Martin said, adding that the ceremonies will only take place if the current Phase I restrictions are lifted by Gov. Cooper.
North Carolina is currently operating under Reopening Phase I restrictions. The ‘stay at home’ order remains in effect, but you can leave for a variety of reasons now. As far as an impact on graduation, large gatherings of 50 or more won’t be allowed until the state enters Phase II. North Carolina entered Phase I on May 8 and that is expected to last three weeks. Phase II would then begin by Memorial Day weekend, with Phase III in early July lifting most large gathering restrictions.
Making Memories in a Pandemic
Martin said in addition to the late July ceremonies, he plans to hold a ‘virtual’ graduation in June.
“Each senior and a limited number of family members will have a scheduled time to report to their high school,” Martin said. “Each senior will have a cap and gown picture taken, will receive their diploma cover, and will be recorded having their name called as they walk across the stage.”
That video footage will later be edited, Martin explained, assembled to create a “Virtual Graduation” film released later in June.
“I believe that we have created a plan that our students want and one that they will remember for the rest of their lives,” Martin said.
Brian Carlton is the editor of NWNC Magazine. He can be reached at brian.carlton38@gmail.com
