LIHU‘E — Most of the Kaua‘i Class of 2020 graduates will be getting their diplomas at drive-thru-style graduation ceremonies later this month, and all three public high schools are planning convoy parades and other events on Friday, May 22, to highlight and honor their graduates, whose commencement lands in the middle of a global pandemic.
All plans are tentative and still being finalized, but schools have announced preliminary information.
Starting off the May 22 celebrations is Waimea High School, which is graduating 155 seniors this year and has their ceremony scheduled at 10 a.m. that day at Kaua‘i Raceway Park in Mana.
According to a recent letter from the school announcing ceremony plans, strict physical-distancing guidelines will be in place. Parents and students will be contacted over the next week with further details.
Principal Mahina Anguay said the school is also putting together a video of photos of the good times the class spent together throughout the years.
“I can’t wait to see all of the positive moments that you have captured. We also invite you to send positive messages using #Waimeaclassof2020,” said Anguay.
Kaua‘i High School has planned a convoy from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Puhi to Kaua‘i High School at 4 p.m. on May 22 for the 272 seniors graduating this year.
A virtual graduation commencement ceremony will be shown on K5 (KGMB) TV station from 5:30 to 7 p.m. During the week of May 22, KHS will have a drive-thru diploma pickup and photo opportunity at the campus. The times will be announced at a later date.
Kaua‘i High School Principal Marlene Leary said the school is accepting donations and volunteers to make their convoy commencement and drive-thru diploma ceremonies happen, as well as for a Class of 2020 alumni celebration in the future.
Kapa‘a High School is graduating 234 seniors in their Class of 2020, and Principal Tommy Cox says his administration is “tentatively planning for a parade through Kapa‘a town on Friday, May 22. “
Cox said students would be in vehicles driven by their parents or guardians along a route through Kapa‘a, finishing at the school, where diplomas will be distributed via a drive-thru process.
“We are still working on how many cars would be allowed along the route as spectators. At no time will anyone be allowed to leave his or her vehicles, students or spectators,” said Cox.
According to Bill Arakaki, state Department of Education Kaua‘i Complex Area superintendent, Class of 2020 seniors, teachers, staff, parents and their community partners have come together to determine each school’s alternative graduation ceremony.
“While we are disappointed that traditional commencement ceremonies cannot be held due to COVID-19, the thoughtful innovation and care with which our schools and community partners have come together has been inspirational,” said Arakaki.
“We recognize and honor the accomplishments of our seniors. We wish them the best as they embark on their new journey in life, careers and college,” he said.
”Thank you for understanding, love and aloha as schools plan and prepare their alternative graduation celebrations during this challenging and unprecedented time.”
Public high schools across the state announced recently the times and formats of their respective alternative graduation ceremonies following a DOE announcement that traditional ceremonies at public and charter schools would be replaced with alternative celebrations for the Class of 2020 due to safety concerns and social-distancing guidance.
“Determining the appropriate ways to honor our graduating Class of 2020 has been one of the top priorities for my leadership team over the past several weeks,” said DOE Deputy Superintendent Phyllis Unebasami.
“Mahalo to all of the individuals and organizations who are continuing to work behind the scenes to make the 2020 graduation ceremonies truly special.”
Schools have started to share logistics details with parents and guardians. An overview of statewide commencement celebrations is on the DOE website, hawaiipublicschools.org. The list will continue to be updated as more details become available. For more information, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school directly.
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Stephanie Shinno, features and community reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.
