COVID-19

Graduates drive, walk in unique ceremonies at area high schools

While COVID-19 made the circumstances for the graduating seniors of Hughesville and Williamsport Area high schools receiving their diplomas Wednesday and Thursday unique, the two events had one aspect in common -- cars.

South Williamsport Area, Loyalsock Township and Montgomery Area high schools confronted the difficulties of graduations in the time of social distancing Friday evening, while Jersey Shore Area High School will hold a commencement today.

One hundred and thirty-two Hughesville High School graduates got to celebrate getting their high school diploma in a presentation ceremony at the Lycoming County fairgrounds alongside their immediate family, their friends and a puppy or two on Wednesday night.

Each student and their families parked their car in a socially distanced manner in front of a jumbo screen to wait for the presentation video compiled of photos of their decorated caps, future dream boards, congratulatory videos from family and even previously recorded videos of themselves receiving their diplomas in their caps and gowns.

"We feel badly for the kids, but we wanted to keep June 3 an important day for them," Michael Pawlik, superintendent, said. "We wanted to make sure they would have an actual graduation."

Keira Briggs, senior, said that though the field ceremony and having to do online classes due to the pandemic is not exactly what she had hoped for, she admits that it brought the class much closer together than before.

"Facing all of the restrictions, it turned out to be the best for the kids," Tracey Yerg, teacher, said. "It is neat to be in this environment. It's bittersweet."

Williamsport High School graduates, separated into three groups, drove through the school's bus loop to stop and walk in their caps and gowns up the stage to get their diplomas in a socially distanced fashion, then back into their cars with their families for their graduation ceremony on Thursday.

The 317 graduating students were spread into thirds and brought up to the campus a half-hour apart to maintain traffic flow through the bus loop on campus, according to Brandon Pardoe, principal.

Each student got their cap and gown prior to the ceremony to wear at the ceremony. The students sat in the front passenger seat of vehicles filled with family members. Once it was their turn, the student got out of their vehicle and walked side-by-side with their vehicle to the ramp for the stage. Students then walked up the ramp, got their diploma, got their photo taken and then they were able to get back in their car and leave the premises.

Some members of faculty and staff will also be there to congratulate students from a distance.

"We were trying to take into consideration the parameters put forth by the government and the state health department," Pardoe said. "We wanted to recognize students while they are still in the area. The safety of our staff and students is of the utmost importance."

He added that the ceremony was designed this way so that not only could the district limit the amount of gathering before and after a ceremony, but also so that families could also follow along and witness their child get their diploma first hand.

The ceremony was livestreamed as well as professionally recorded. The final version, compiled with three student speakers will be sent out to families a week after the ceremony.

South Williamsport also held a graduation ceremony, but their's was at their football stadium at 7 p.m. Friday.

The plan was for 79 students to be seated on the field, separated and socially distanced, with two guests each in the stands watching them receive their certificates. The event was to be filmed, according to Emily Wagner, school counselor.

Students will also be walking up to their seats and filing into them as well as walking up the stage just like normal graduation.

"There just won't be shaking of hands," Wagner added. "We are pretty fortunate that we are a smaller school."

The commencement will be done in the theme of "overcoming adversity" and Valedictorian, Samantha Branton, Salutatorian, Alexandria Tsikitas and Amilee Miller, student will all be speaking about that subject

Scott Lowrey, will also be speaking to students and families. Lowrey is involved in South's athletics as well as the community leadership and other broadcasts.

In Hughesville at the fairgrounds, the East Lycoming School District superintendent addressed the unique circumstances head-on.

"This year, I can guarantee you will never forget your senior year," Pawlik said. "In an instant, your bedroom became your homeroom, your teachers became 2-inch by 3-inch, two-dimensional video blogs on your computer screen and you learned that Zoom has another definition then just to move quickly."

He added that the school worked together to make the transition the best it can be, including the hard work of the staff and students together until graduation.

"I encourage you to set goals and to continue until you achieve them," Pawlik said. "Please remember to enjoy life's journey."

Senior Class President Madigan Hockman, Salutatorian Luke Gorg, and Valedictorian Rachel Bitler, also presented speeches.

"Our inner strength has allowed us to meet here today," Bitler said. "I have concluded that the past few months of our lives have been a rather difficult and dark spot of our country's history. The fact that we are all sitting here today, watching ourselves walk across the stage to claim our diplomas, signifies that we have achieved success despite witnessing the proverbial bottom."

"As students, we have been dreaming of this day for many years," Hockman said. "None of us imagined it would look like this or under these circumstances. Instead of looking at our senior like it being cut short, we should all look at the last three months as an accredited course in life. Perhaps it should be called 'Life 101: the unpredictable'."

"This is not the graduation we have always envisioned, but not all bad things have come from COVID," Gorg said. "This unique situation has taught us that nothing is guaranteed and to not take anything for granted. It has taught us how fortunate we are to be in a safe environment where we have never had to worry about our safety while at school."

Hockman said that being a part of the solution, appreciation and being ready to adapt to changes in the world are part of the positive memories from the last three months.

"We have years of amazing memories together," she added.

"These memories have made a lasting impact on us," Gorg said. "I am sure it (graduation) is something we will always remember. I hope we can continue with the same spirit, the spirit of strength, courage and commitment."

"I believe that the success we have reached today will only be continued if we learn to see the light in the darkness, recognize the foundation of success and realize that our dreams are limitless," Bitler added.

Ryan Bahr, senior, admitted that this year felt different. From doing online classes to not being able to see his favorite teachers or his friends in the hallways.

"Our teachers went above and beyond," he said. "It made me appreciate them. It still hasn't hit me yet though, that I made it. I did it."

"The school did a wonderful job," Michelle Bahr, mother said. "I am glad I raised my kids in Hughesville."