TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — High school graduations won't look the same this year due to the coronavirus.
En lieu of social distancing, our school districts are trying to find a way to keep seniors safe while letting them have their special moment.
Graduation is a big part of a child's life, and COVID-19 has disrupted many coinciding plans.
But school districts in Florida and Georgia are determined to give their 2020 graduates a proper send off.
"I have some really big plans that I'm going to hopefully announce in the next week or so," said Rocky Hanna, superintendent of Leon County Schools.
Hanna says COVID-19 canceled big events like prom and grad bash, but he is determined not to cancel is graduation.
"I've reached out to the Civic Center and some other people about having a drive-in ceremony," Hanna said. "I'm really excited about it."
It's not just Leon County.
In a letter to parents and students, Wakulla County Schools superintendent Bobby Pearce said they are also planning something special.
"In the coming week plans will be made for a drive-by graduation ceremony for our 2020 senior class at Wakulla High School," said Pearce, "targeting May 22nd, 2020 which was the planned day for graduation."
In Georgia, Valdosta City Schools found a way to give their students both a prom and traditional graduation ceremony.
"Graduation will be held at 8:30 pm on Cleveland Field in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on June 26. Junior/Senior Prom will be held at 8:30 pm on June 27, in the gymnasium of Valdosta High School," read the issued statement.
All three districts trying to honor their students while adjusting to uncertain times.
Leon County Schools will seek the approval of the Department of Health before confirming the drive-in ceremony.
For now, Hanna urges seniors everywhere to finish strong.
