Megan Kelley | Johnson Publications
CCS seniors, from left, Yeraldin Almanza, Yubia Ramirez and Kheren Guillen have their photo taken by Abby Almanza last week. CCS seniors took photos and videos at the school in their caps and gowns for a Class of 2020 video being made.
Courtesy photo
CCS seniors Hannah Meeske, left, and Brooklyn Christensen took photos when they dressed up in their caps and gowns last week.
May 9 CCS graduation off calendar; administration, students improvising
Despite social-distancing measures prompted by COVID-19, Chase County Schools administration are finding unique ways to honor the Class of 2020.
The graduation ceremony scheduled for May 9 will not be conducted as in the past, 7-12 Principal Jon Lechtenberg said.
Last week, 46 seniors arrived at the school in caps and gowns to get photos taken with their diploma sleeves.
Afterwards, some of the seniors were seen around Imperial taking advantage of being dressed up.
Yeraldin Almanza and fellow seniors Yubia Ramirez and Kheren Guillen took photos together in front of a “Class of 2020” banner at Almanza’s home.
A few others gathered that same day, including Hannah Meeske and Brooklyn Christensen, who took photos together.
“It definitely didn’t feel like a graduation,” Meeske said. “We walked in, took our pictures and walked down off a riser on the stage and there was an iPad set up and they took a little video of you. And then you left.”
At Tuesday’s school board meeting, Supt. Larry Lambert noted the graduation speakers, including the valedictorian and salutatorian, will also be recorded for the video giving their speeches.
A possible summer graduation ceremony is not totally off the table, Lambert said, but that’s something yet to be decided after additional meetings with seniors and parents.
Earlier this month, senior Gabbi Krutsinger was surprised by her parents with a front porch graduation ceremony, with professional photos taken.
Krutsinger wore her preschool graduation hat, confetti was thrown and she walked down her sidewalk to Pomp and Circumstance.
“We have worked with seniors to get pictures taken to create a video so that we will have it in case we are limited to a digital ceremony,” Lechtenberg said.
“We are all still hopeful that somehow we will be permitted to conduct a traditional ceremony, but that won’t happen on May 9,” he said.
The administrative team at CCS met with seniors and parents and are planning more meetings to discuss options.
The official last day for seniors will be May 6. However, some students may still be required to complete college credit classes after that date.