Pomp and circumstance making comeback

One year ago, students and their families missed out on one of life's special moments, that being a traditional graduation ceremony. As our region continues to climb from the rubble of COVID-19 restrictions, it appears that the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance" will likely be returning to our local school stadiums later this month. The Folsom Cordova Unified School District has announced dates and specifics for 2021 graduation ceremonies at Folsom and Vista del Lago High School stadiums, along with plans for Folsom Lake High School. The El Dorado Union High School District has announced that Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills will also return to a traditional ceremony. All of the events will implement COVID-19 safety measures, including mask requirements and social distancing. In recent weeks, Folsom area students were presented with two different options in regard to their choices for graduation. The options were based on Sacramento County's current and projected COVID-19 tier levels, along with feedback from area seniors hoping for a change from last year. Students expressed their priorities when it comes to graduation as "celebrating with friends, crossing the stage before their peers in a cap and gown and celebrating with family." Students were given a choice of participating in a traditional, formal graduation in the school stadiums, separated four to six feet apart. Due to the number of graduates, tickets for the event for families will be limited to two tickets per student at both Folsom and Vista del Lago. "It brings me great joy that our senior students can end the school year with a traditional graduation ceremony in our outdoor stadiums or for those not able to gather in large groups, the option to celebrate their graduation with family members in a drive-thru event on campus," said Sarah Koligian, Ed.D. Folsom Cordova Unified School District superintendent. "Our students have navigated so many unexpected challenges that one would never expect a 12th-grader to encounter." The ceremonies are expected to have all of the long-known traditions, including student speeches and the presentation of diplomas. The district is partnering with Folsom TV to also live stream the events due to the need to limit the public attendance. A move that gives relatives to watch from anywhere. The alternative, less chosen option allows students to walk across the graduation stage one day prior to the traditional ceremony. For this option, graduates can have up to 10 family members attend the special ceremony during their time slot. With the majority of students desiring a full ceremony, Folsom High School will commence the Class of 2021 on May 27. Vista del Lago will do so on May 28. Folsom Lake High School will commence its much smaller class on May 25, using the Folsom High School theater facility to allow for social distancing with this ceremony allowing up to 10 attendees. All ceremonies will require the wearing of masks, according to the district websites. At Oak Ridge High School, the Class of 2021 will be reportedly broken up into groups on May 28 to help with social distancing during its ceremony. Folsom Lake College is also offering an in person event on Wednesday, May 19, however, it will be a drive-up event this year but will be inclusive of graduates from last year as well as 2021. Koligian noted that although the pandemic has brought many challenges for students and educators, it has also helped prepare students for their future. Many will use this past year to be prepared for the unexpected for years to come. "Our students have increased their capacity for learning in ways that go above and beyond accomplishing the required graduation credits," said Koligian. "They are also taking with them the ability to navigate change and the strength to persevere; qualities that can help them pursue their dreams and accomplish their future goals." As the Sacramento region has yet to advance in its COVID-19 tier status, specific details could change prior to graduation day. For complete details and times for each school, it is recommended to visit the school or district website for the latest information.