Student Opinions on Graduation 2021

By: Haley Michelson

As this school year comes close to an end, the graduation ceremony is clearly not the same compared to previous years. This years’ graduation ceremony is about a fifteen minute walk though where those graduating were able to pick their time slots in which would work out best for them. Many students choose options that coordinate well with their friends’ times, so even though this ceremony might feel different in many aspects, they’d still be able to graduate with their close friends by their side.

Some students had differing opinions from each other though trying to look at the positives for this year. Sophia Degn, ‘21, says, “…I liked the options. I was actually very happy we got a walk through graduation, it was my first choice.” Although the sit down graduations are seen as a ‘tradition,’ Degn says, “…not (having) to sit in the heat for hours..” is much better than the sit down ceremony.

As being able to choose time slots in which coordinate with what works well for the students and their families, Degn says, “…with the walk through I get to bring my whole family and it’s nice and quick. I got to choose a grad time and do it with my best friend so that was a plus.” The ceremony is different this year, but the option of a walk through graduation is very beneficial for many students and their families compared to a traditional sit down graduation ceremony.

Many students are trying to look on the positive side of the circumstances for this years’ ceremony in order to make the best of the situation as a whole. Jessica Neipp, a Redwood senior, says, “ I’m grateful to have a graduation at all, even if it’s not ‘the same.’ ” The most appealing aspect of this different graduation is the idea of picking time slots for the walk through.

Neipp says, “I appreciate how they’re making sure everyone will get their own time…(also) trying their best to make the most of our options.”

Although many students, and even some families, wanted a sit down and fully in person graduation, there is a reason behind why a fifteen minute walk through ceremony is beneficial. Neipp says, “…I’m happy with the fact that we get to graduate alongside friends and senior students in person.”

Some students are even happier with this option because it is a much shorter ceremony compared o a sit down graduation. Grace Arnold, ‘21, says, “…this option made me very happy. What could be better than a fifteen minute graduation ceremony?”

Many graduating students are the most excited just to be graduating alongside their friends. Arnold says, “I appreciated that we could choose which time slot so I could coordinate with my friends.” Being able to graduate in person with friends is a better shot of receiving an almost normal graduation, compared to a drive through graduation especially. Arnold also says, “Anything is better than a drive thru graduation, even if it is a walk through.”

Overall, many are just happy to be able to have a ceremony, even a smaller and quicker one, looking more on the bright side of the situation entirely. Arnold says, I think it’s important to stay optimistic to whatever comes and to be grateful for the opportunities we do have.”