Creative Ways People Are Celebrating the Class of 2021
Creative ways people are celebrating the Class of 2021
The 2020 class had a pandemic-related end of the school year. Virtual Proms. Zoom or drive-through graduations. But the Class of 2021 hasn't exactly had a picnic of a year either! Social distancing is still a big issue. Most states require masks and COVID testing or vaccines for events. Some states continue to limit the size of large gatherings. What does this mean for our proms, graduations, and end-of-year events? Here are the many ways people are celebrating the Class of 2021.
Outdoor proms
If we've learned anything over the past year, it's that many activities can be moved outside! Some schools are transforming their soccer fields or renting out local outdoor facilities like the zoo. A Philadelphia school is encouraging girls to wear Crocs instead of stilettos. Indoors or outdoors, most schools are proposing participants limited dancing, limited eating, and wearing masks.
Smaller proms
Some venues allow indoor balls with smaller numbers. In some states, such as New York, students must provide proof of a completed vaccination series or a negative COVID test. One way to get around this is to limit indoor presence to fewer than 100 people. Many schools only allow their high school seniors to attend and/or do not allow guests from other schools. Another school requires students to form pods that they hold onto while dancing.
"Mama Proms"
For schools that are abandoning the idea of prom altogether, some parents are joining forces to make dance a reality for their students. When an Atlanta school canceled prom for the second straight year, a group of parents planned a prom called "The Mask-Querade Dance" to be held on May 16 at the Atlanta Zoo.
End of year banquets
For students completing a shortened season with sports or activities, many schools host small end-of-year banquets to honor their seniors. These smaller events often allow a few family members to attend.
End of year concerts
At the end of the year, many graduates want to spend their final time performing with friends. Washington High School is hosting a year-end concert with some COVID precautions. "We're taking a break, it's a shorter program, we're doing fewer pieces than usual, so we have that first half, take a break, 10-15 minutes, let the air circulate on stage and come back out and do it again ."
Seniors in the spotlight
Continuing last year's trend, many schools are taking over their social media accounts with Senior Spotlights, sharing photos, achievements and students' next goals.
Source: @stp.tiger.territory
Personal Graduation
As COVID cases ease, some schools are considering an in-person degree for their seniors. Depending on student numbers, some schools break up the ceremonies into smaller ones over the course of a day (or multiple days). Others limit the number of visitors. Others create 10×10 seats in the football stands for families. And even others stream the students live as they walk the stage.
Drive-Thru Degree
After the success and fun of last year's drive-thru degrees in many areas, some schools are choosing to repeat the process this year -- or at least offer it as an option along with in-person degrees.
Has your high school found ways to celebrate the class of 2021? Let us know the details in the comments below! We've also put together the best gifts for your graduation.
