While graduates won't be able to celebrate in the traditional way, the Catholic school board has a plan to bring the celebration home.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person group graduations won't be happening this year.
The English Catholic and public school board are working to make sure students are honoured.
At O'Gorman High School, a team is working on a way to bring graduation home to each member of the Class of 2020.
"Although some elements are being kept as a surprise for the graduates, there are some details we can share," reads a news release.
A video is being made by Casa Di Media Productions that will feature the traditional elements of the graduation such as the blessing from Bishop Poitras and valedictorian speech. It will also recognize each graduate. Scholarships and bursaries are being awarded, and Ontario Scholars and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Red Seal recipients will be acknowledged as well.
"The most important part of any graduation is the presentation of the diplomas. This is where our plan to 'bring graduation home' comes into play. During Graduation Week (June 22 to 26), a special presentation will be made to each graduate at their home in the presence of their closest family members. As school staff, we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of each of our graduates and making Graduation 2020 a special occasion in spite of the circumstances," reads the announcement.
At District School Board Ontario North East, staff has been working closely with graduates to tailor graduations to what the students want.
That means there will be virtual and physical distancing graduations.
Virtual graduations are planned for PACE, Iroquois Falls Secondary School, Kirkland Lake District Composite School, and Kapuskasing District High School.
Physical distancing ceremonies will be held at Hearst High School, and Cochrane is considering a drive-in ceremony. Englehart High School and Timiskaming District Secondary School are looking at community graduation parades, in addition to other student activities.
For schools hosting virtual graduations, they are committed to bringing all of the graduates back to celebrate face-to-face when it's safe.
