Sarah Ebeling | Managing Editor

Next week is bringing mixed emotions to the Class of 2020 and their families. This year’s graduation doesn’t feel like any graduations of years past when it comes to celebrating major milestones. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dictate how events can be held, Tri-Valley and West Central School Districts are working hard to make sure that this year’s seniors have the very best graduation experience possible. 

Because of regulations set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), administrations are coming up with unique ways to hold graduation ceremonies. 

And these two districts are no different.

Tri-Valley School will be holding their graduation ceremony next Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. The event, which is closed to the public, will be held at the football complex. 

Principal Brad McDonald explained that due to social distancing recommendations, only the graduates and their parents or guardians will be permitted to attend the ceremony. 

McDonald said that they will also be hosting a graduation parade through each of the Tri-Valley communities beginning at 5 p.m. 

West Central is also hosting graduation on Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. 

Superintendent Brad Berens explained the ceremony will be held outdoors in the high school parking lot. A covered and elevated stage will be placed by the east wall of the main gym with parking available in the main lot for parents. 

“Other guests will take parking places behind the parents,” said Berens. 

Graduates will be allowed on stage to receive their diplomas. 

Berens noted that although circumstance require a change in the way the graduates are celebrated, it does not diminish the reason for or the focus of the celebration.