Graduation is important to many high school seniors because it symbolizes the beginning of an adult life. For many years in the past, high school graduation has consisted of large clusters of students celebrating the end of school, surrounded by large groups of proud crying mothers, fathers, and grandparents. That definition of graduation, though, does not fit in with the reality of living in 2021.

A high school graduation during COVID-19 obviously can’t include massive crowds of people, so Downingtown West’s solution is to limit the guest list to five people per student. To make up for the limited attendance cap, the event will also be live-streamed on YouTube under the title “2021 Downingtown High School West Commencement.” This makes up for the five person limit by broadening the ability to send links out to all extended family members. For those attending in person, masks must be worn and social distancing guidelines will be in place. This will not be a traditional ceremony by any means, but West is doing all it can to make the day special.

Despite the loss of some beloved ceremonial traditions, there will still be one thing that will remain the same this year. As there have been in years past, there will be two mandatory practice ceremonies held in the week before graduation, one on June 4th and the other on June 7th, both at 7:45 am. Class of 2021 students will receive their cap and gown orders and five family tickets from the school on the practice days. The much-awaited official ceremony will be held at 10:00 am June 8th in Kottmeyer Stadium.

It looks to be a meaningful and beautiful day for all involved, despite the strange circumstances.  We at West Side Beat extend our best wishes to all graduating members of the Class of 2021!