Graduation Plans Carry on Amidst concerns

Graduation Plans

carry on Amidst Concerns

Organizers accomodate social-distancing and mask requiremnets

Making plans for an occasion as big as a 6A high school graduation can prove challenging during a pandemic with ever-changing social distancing and mask-wearing protocols.

Project Graduation hosts its annual party for Lawrence students the evening after graduation to encourage safe celebrations. However, with many students and their families not fully vaccinated, organizers have had to get creative to continue to uphold their promise of a safe environment.

This year, Project Graduation will be hosted at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Erin Bird, this year’s organizer, explained after it became clear the event couldn’t happen at Abe and Jake’s Landing, as it did in past years, organizers had to ask for help from the city.

“[Project Graduation] was truly a collaboration this year between the City of Lawrence, Douglas County and the Lawrence Public Schools,” Bird said.

Other students have had to change their personal graduation party plans as well.

“I plan on hosting a graduation party outside,” senior Yoav Gillath said, “so as to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.”

Senior Bryn Perrins resorted to more drastic measures to adapt to COVID-19.

“Because it was unclear what the year would be like, I decided in August that I would graduate a semester early,” Perrins said. “I am very excited to see all my classmates that I missed this year [at graduation].” Project Graduation has taken extra measures to protect students according to Bird. Attendees will wear masks and there is a “grab and go” food option.

“As you can imagine, an event like this takes lots of planning,” Bird said. We have had so many wonderful parents step up to volunteer their time.”

Project Graduation will last from 9 p.m. until midnight on Wednesday, May 26. Bird said students should bring a mask and ID.

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pages by Lauren Tao story by Jenna Bellemere