There will be caps and gowns, speeches, and well wishes from educators for the graduates of Sardis Secondary, 2020.
The news was announced by Dan Heisler, the school’s principal, on April 29 in a letter to families, on their website and on social media channels. They will be working with “a specialized and experienced media company” to make the commencement ceremony as true to tradition as possible.
While the event will be videotaped, and will have to follow the provincial health order of no more than 50 people in a group, it will still take place. Audiences will be able to view it at home together for their own private celebrations.
While parents won’t be in the audience, the students will get to experience the regular rituals that signal graduation.
“The format and detail of the ceremony will reflect all of the components of our regular commencement: graduating students (videotaped) crossing the stage wearing their cap & gown, receiving their diploma, a valedictorian speech, an acknowledgement to the grads by the Superintendent of Schools, a Trustee from the Chilliwack School District and my final address to the grads,” Heisler assured graduates and their families.
But, there will be no prom and banquet, he adds.
“I would like to acknowledge that while I am aware this news is disappointing for our grads and their families; we need to do our part in flattening the curve and ensure we are keeping our school and community safe. I know this was not the end of the year we expected, but I’m confident our school community will pull together to make Grad 2020 memorable and our families will be able to use this virtual ceremony as a conduit for acknowledging this very important celebration in a special and meaningful way.”
Work to get ready for the 2020 Sardis Secondary Virtual Commencement Ceremony is starting right away, with planning already started among the commencement committee.
More information will be sent out to families next week, with more detail.
@CHWKcommunity
jpeters@theprogress.com
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