While it may have been possible to pull off an in-person ceremony with the new regulations and guidelines, it still wouldn’t be the same and would put many families at unnecessary risk. The decision to make the ceremony virtual could not have been an easy one, but it’s the right and only call.
Citrus Superintendent/President Dr. Geraldine M. Perri said in an email that the class of 2021 will celebrate its graduation with a digital commencement ceremony.
Superintendent/President Perri explained in the email that the ceremony will be on YouTube, although it is unknown if it will be a livestream event or a photo slideshow like the 2020 commencement ceremony. While the actual ceremony will be virtual, an in-person drive up photo opportunity will be available on campus for those who want to take graduation photos.
In the midst of a deadly virus that spreads with ease, to put so many at risk by having an in-person ceremony would be reckless. There is no doubt that safety of the faculty, the graduating class and their friends and family is more important.
The ceremony is not worth risking anyone’s health. Whether the event is in-person or virtual, the students have still completed their journey; they’ve still gained an education, gained valuable experience and will be leaving with their degrees or certificates.
College is a tough journey that requires students to have determination, discipline and drive. The commencement ceremony is meant to celebrate all the hard work that both the students and their peers have pushed through. It’s a celebration of the end of a chapter in their lives.
Without the connection with your peers, a collective cheer and celebration, it’s just a special day at home by yourself. The virtual ceremony doesn’t have the human connection that an in-person ceremony has, but that’s OK.
What’s important is that after this ceremony, the graduating class gets to move forward with all their education and experience. The ceremony celebrates the beginning of their next steps. Implementing a virtual ceremony ensures they can take them.
