Virtual graduation ceremony caps off bizarre ending to school year

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, graduation for Perkins County Schools’ senior class began, but rather than a formal, in-person ceremony, students gathered at home with family to watch a video ceremony the school put together.

The video, assembled and edited by Brianna Danehey in iMovie, opened with the program detailing its contents before moving into a progression of class photos of the 2020 seniors throughout their years in school set to “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Principal Ben Jones welcomed viewers, followed by opening remarks from Evan Sestak, class president, and a graduation address presented by Samuel McArtor, class secretary.

A video of the students then played, showing images of each student as a baby followed by their senior photo while the students talked about their future plans. Each student also gave special thanks to important people in their lives.

A collection of photos submitted by students and family played, reminding the kids of their times together. “Let Them Be Little” by Lonestar and “Five More Minutes” by Scotty McCreery played along with the photo slideshow, reminding all viewers how quickly time passes.

Affter the slideshow, Jacob Woodmancy, class treasurer, gave his graduation address, followed by Jones noting special recognitions for the students. Because the school could not host Honors Night, the students’ successes and activities were recognized in the virtual ceremony.

Superintendent Phillip Picquet then announced the diplomas for the class of 2020. As each student’s name was called, a message from family was displayed.

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