COVID-19 cuts into proms and graduation ceremonies

Schools with the SCDSB exploring alternative ways to celebrate student achievements

Teenage milestones may have become a victim of the pandemic.

Jodi Lloyd, chair of the Simcoe County District School Board, doesn’t want to use the word cancellation to describe year-end prom and graduation ceremonies, but it definitely won’t be the same type of event as high school students had their hearts set on just a few months ago.

Lloyd said schools have begun to reach out to families and students to let them know that alternative ways are being explored to celebrate student achievements.

Each school varies in size, so Lloyd said how all of this plays out will be left up to each school community.

To protect public health, Lloyd said large group gatherings aren’t likely going to be allowed by the end of June. She said many events have tried to hold out to the last minute but there is no indication things are going to change.

“For students and families, these events are incredibly important and this is very upsetting.”

Some event companies across North America have organized online graduations and virtual proms.

Several school boards have cancelled proms but moved graduation ceremonies to the fall, such as in Ottawa and at the Upper Grand District School Board, which includes the City of Guelph and the counties of Dufferin and Wellington. York Region District School Board has cancelled proms and delayed graduation ceremonies. Hamilton’s public board has cancelled proms and graduation ceremonies, a decision also taken by the Catholic board in London.

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