Union County High School graduation finalized, drive-in ceremony

Board of Education, Community, Panther's Corner

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – This week, seniors and parents across Union County received long-awaited news about graduation and learned that graduating students will participate in a ceremony.

“Over the last two months, we have been getting ideas sent to us from students and parents about graduation options. We also have been in contact with other North Georgia principals to research what they have planned for their diploma distribution and ceremonies. We have been patient and waited to make the best-informed decision regarding our options for everyone’s safety.” Union County High School (UCHS) Principal C.T. Hussion explained in a letter to parents.

School also formed a graduation committee and contacted more than 40 senior parents to discuss the safest options as well as identify the path forward. Once unanimously agreed upon, they presented it to the high school governance team and then the board of education on May 5 in a called meeting.

Once the meeting ended, Union County Postal Workers quickly sorted and expedited the mailing of almost 200 letters to seniors and parents, so they would be the first to know the plan.

The 2020 graduates will participate in a ceremony unlike any other because of COVID-19. However, Union County Schools and the graduation committee wanted these seniors to participate in as many traditions as possible. They also wanted these events to take place safely.

Letter mailed to all UCHS Senior parents.

They will have an opportunity to walk across the stage and receive diplomas, but safely. The stage ceremony will take place across three days and only immediate family can attend – six people or less/one vehicle. Family and seniors are asked to wear face masks, which seniors can remove when walking across the stage. UCHS will film and take photographs of the seniors.

Seniors will have their speeches recorded separately and everything will be edited together for the May 22 commencement.

UCHS is also livestreaming Senior Awards and Honors Ceremony on May 14 and Scholarship Night on May 19 at 7 p.m. on Facebook Live and YouTube. First Baptist Church is livestreaming the Baccalaureate Service on May 17 at 7 p.m. on Facebook Live and YouTube.

The actual commencement ceremony will take place on May 22 as a drive-in celebration of the seniors. First, students and families will pile into their vehicles and drive through town and over to UCHS to watch the ceremony from their car.

Each graduate is allowed one vehicle, and families are encouraged to decorate their cars in honor of their senior. Everyone must remain in their cars throughout the processional and graduation ceremony. Cars will be socially distanced and no one can ride in the back of trucks.

The public can show support along the route as well, but UCS assumes no liability for those who do.

Screens will be located at UCHS to families and students to watch the ceremony, and it will be broadcast on Facebook Live, YouTube, and local radio. Graduation will end with the senior video and fireworks.

The YouTube and Facebook Live broadcasts are a great way to involve family members who can’t attend for various reasons – out-of-state, nursing home residents, or high-risk of COVID-19.

Links will be posted by the school at a later date for those interested in attending the ceremonies.

No student will be forced to participate in graduation due to the risks associated with COVID-19. It’s the parent’s choice if their student participates.

If allowed by social mandates, in July a Senior Cookout night is tentatively planned for all seniors, so they can sign yearbooks, celebrate, and say goodbye.

“Though we cannot replace those experiences and memories, we have tried very hard to honor them in our community with their signs around the square, billboards, and social media blasts. Our community has risen to the occasion to support and honor them in ways that should make us all proud.” Hussion also stated in his letter.

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