Oswego High School Holds Graduation Ceremony

OSWEGO – Oswego High School graduates celebrated the end of their school year by walking across the stage and receiving their diplomas in the time honored tradition of all those that came before them, except with a twist.

Coupled with the excitement of Friday evening’s vehicle parade, banners hanging along Route 104 and the Murals in the Park Program, the Oswego City School District allowed a time of celebration yesterday for families and students, in spite of restrictions due to COVID-19.

The ceremony was held on Saturday, June 27 at the Oswego Middle School. The school’s gymnasium was set up to host yesterday’s ceremony which began at 10:15 a.m. and lasted throughout the day.

Certain accommodations were required  to meet both the social safety standards and the desires of family members who wanted to participate in the commencement ceremonies and honor their youth’s crowning achievements.

Previous plans included holding the graduation ceremonies outside to allow for greater safety measures and fewer social distancing concerns. At the last minute, the venue was changed to an indoor setting because of the threat of inclement weather.

The number of family members allowed per student was adjusted from four to nine people, permitting them inside the gym in a group setting, dependent upon which students were lining up to walk the stage.

Graduates and families had to wait in their vehicles until called. Families were then directed to specific seating that was placed in front of the stage, while the graduate had professional pictures taken on the opposite side of the gym. The graduates then lined up to walk the stage and received their diplomas.

Families were allowed to take pictures and videos as they cheered on their children walking across the stage. Families were also allowed to take pictures outside of the venue in an effort to normalize the graduation as much as possible.

Michele Connolly expressed her approval at the seamless execution of the yesterday’s commencement, in spite of the ongoing adjustments.

“So, it was really quick; it was like five minutes,” Connolly said. “Initially they said you weren’t going to be able to take any pictures there, but they did let us go outside and we did take pictures by the school and all of that. So yeah, it was really nice.”

The pandemic forced many unforeseen changes; but between OCSD and the corporation of the parents and students, everyone worked hard to carry out a memorable graduation while respecting the health and well being of the community.

To purchase copies of commencement ceremony, please contact Matthew Bock or visit OHS Yearbook  for details. View the OHS graduate tribute here, or the live stream of the  commencement ceremony here.

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