November 11th, 2021

Last Spring, through your Graduation Committee of your peers and again this Fall, in the recent survey of our 2021 Grads, you shared what you wanted for Graduation/Commencement Ceremonies:

• The traditional elements:  To wear the cap and gown;  to receive a ceremonial diploma;  hear the valedictorian speak; a chance for grad photo-ops; an opportunity to celebrate with your family and to gather as your graduation class to celebrate this milestone together.

In June, despite being restricted by Covid Health and Safety directives prohibiting gatherings in excess of 10 people outdoors, we tried to fulfill as many of these traditional elements as possible.  The majority of the Class of 2021 took part in Grad Days on June 23rd and 24th where you were able to wear a cap and gown and have your photograph taken with a family member or friend present.  All of this was done with the hope that further in-person celebrations could happen this Fall where diplomas, yearbooks and mugs could be distributed.

As present restrictions upon schools will still not allow us to gather as we hoped this Fall we have made the decision to proceed as follows;

• We will produce a virtual ceremony in late December  that will be viewable online to those who register
• Diplomas, yearbooks and mugs will be distributed on Friday, November 19th (see further details below) or after that date by calling the main office to arrange a pick-up
• The potential for a Spring reunion for both of the impacted graduating classes that missed out on the opportunity for closure in the Spring of 2022

We know that your June Graduation Days could not fulfill the social need to gather and to celebrate as a graduating class and that smaller variations of the ceremony cannot fulfill this void.  With this, we look forward to reuniting in the Spring to complete this milestone.

For Friday Nov. 19, 2021 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM – We will be using our new bus drive-thru area to distribute diplomas, yearbooks and mugs if purchased.  Students who can travel by car are asked to do so and enter the bus drive-thru at the South entrance (closest to Hickory).  Please follow the directions of staff who will help guide vehicles if it is especially busy.  You will proceed to the Hazel St. door in your car where a staff member will greet you, confirm your name and gather your diploma and other items if applicable – please do not exit your vehicle. If you have any materials to return to WCI you can hand them in at that time, please place them in a bag with your name on it.  For those who must come on foot please walk on the sidewalk along the bus lane closest to the School (entering from South entrance) and approach the Hazel St. entrance to speak with staff.

Anyone attending the school is asked to wear a mask and complete the COVID School Screener