TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — High school and college seniors set to graduate this month won't throw their caps with their classmates due to COVID-19 restrictions.
One local high school senior is finding the silver lining during this pandemic that's taken away the final months of his senior year.
Virtual and drive-in graduations will be a big thing this month for high school and college seniors. While it's disappointing, it's necessary with the restrictions in place.
It's like a roller coaster for high school and college seniors nationwide.
Leon County Schools typically hold graduation ceremonies inside the Civic Center. But not this year.
"We're all parking outside of the Civic Center, and I believe they're reading our names off on the radio," said Everett Reed, a Leon High senior.
That's when administration will hand out diplomas.
Many college graduations will also take place virtually.
Mia Wiederkehr says her dental hygiene class at Tallahassee Community College was not going to have a ceremony at all.
"I actually had my whole class send me pictures and I made them a graduation presentation PowerPoint," Wiederkehr said. "And then the teachers did one for us, so we watched both, said our goodbyes and that was it."
While this pandemic is denying traditional senior year experiences, many realize it may be the end of one chapter but it's the beginning of another.
"We at least have college to look forward to, or we have jobs after school to look forward to whenever things are getting more back to normal," said Reed.
"[At] TCC, the president has been really good about reaching out to us. He sent a letter," Wiederkehr said. "Even though you're not graduating in person, it does not lesson your accomplishment at all."
Whether you're a 12th grader or graduating with your masters, know you've come a long way and should be proud of your accomplishments.
