Principal Randy Mallory has an important message for 2020 graduates. (submitted photo/Randy Mallory)

By Derek Cornet

COVID-19

Principal calls 2020 graduates unique and special

Jun 12, 2020 | 4:55 PM

Hector Thiboutot Community School Principal Randy Mallory wants graduates of Sandy Bay to know the coronavirus has been an obstacle in their life, but since they were able to make it through high school, they will be able to overcome many other challenges in the future.

“For any of the graduates of 2020, you’re unique, special and you’re getting to do something that hasn’t happened before,” he said. “I think that’s going to set you up very well knowing you’ll be able to roll with the punches when things get challenging. Instead of looking at this time and the things that didn’t happen, think of yourself as very special.”

There are 22 graduates at the school this summer and, instead of holding a traditional ceremony, they will be presented with their diplomas in their front yard. The event will begin June 24 at 2 p.m. and Mallory, the vice-principal and a photographer will spend up to 15 minutes with each graduate. Speeches will be announced on the radio the day before and each diploma presentation will be streamed online.

A banner was also created for the graduates to use as a photo prop and each one will be gifted with a meat package to host a celebration barbecue at home. By distributing the food, Mallory noted it makes up for the community meal that would have been held in previous years.

“We’re going to make sure we keep social distancing, but we want to try and get the community involved as much as possible,” he said.

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Between June 15 to 19, La Ronge’s Churchill Community High School graduates will also be presented with diplomas in their yards. Graduates have already been given the attire to wear, as well as signs to place outside their home to let neighbours know a Churchill grad lives there.

Churchill grads will be handed their diploma on this platform. (Churchill Community High School/Facebook)

In a media release issued Wednesday, the Northern Lights School Division noted plans for alternative or in-person graduation ceremonies were allowed to proceed as long as the provincial public health order guidelines are followed. The division is encouraging schools to promote virtual ceremonies or postponing the ceremony altogether until a later date.

“Graduation celebrations are very important to all schools, families and communities,” the release states. “Thank you for your continued efforts to mark these important occasions while ensuring the safety of all involved.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno