SSISD reveals plans for 2020 graduation ceremony

Over the course of the last few weeks since SSISD was forced to close school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, faculty and staff have worked to meet the needs of all students and the community. 

District officials collaborated with SSISD staff members, parents, community members, and students to provide a meaningful graduation ceremony for the seniors. They have determined that the best option for the seniors is to create individual graduation experiences with family members in attendance, with an all-inclusive graduation video to follow. 

Beginning May 1st and continuing through May 15, Chad Kopal of Chad’s Media, in collaboration with SSISD staff, will facilitate individual graduation experiences for every graduating senior while following social distancing guidelines. Every student’s individual graduation will be filmed and combined with other filmed commencement events (presentation of the colors, the National Anthem, invocation, valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, and school song) to create a graduation video that will air live on May 22, 2020. Each senior will receive a DVD copy at a later date.

Mr. Kopal and SSISD staff will create an experience for the seniors and their families that includes the following: 

1. Students will cross the stage in graduation dress and receive their diploma cover. 
2. Up to 10 family members can attend the graduation to cheer, take pictures, and enjoy the experience with their graduate. 
3. After crossing the stage, graduates and family members can take more pictures in a photo area. 
4. Michael Laeding will take graduation pictures and offer packages for sale. In addition, SSISD will purchase one complimentary 8”x10” graduation photo for every graduate. 
5. Seniors and family members will receive a graduation program. 
6. Families will be able to enjoy the entire ceremony together online on May 22, 2020. The program will be complete, including the key aspects of the traditional graduation ceremony. 

SSISD officials realize that this year’s commencement ceremony will not be exactly the same as in normal times, but they hope to create as many of the experiences (sights, sounds, hugs, pictures, and memorable moments) as possible for every senior …together as the Class of 2020.