JSHS holds socially-distanced commencement
A marshal leads 2020 graduates toward their waiting families in the parking lot of JSHS, following Saturday’s commencement ceremony. Photo by Catherine Hardee / Neuse News
Friends and family looked on from vehicles rather than sitting on bleachers, and graduates received fist bumps from their principal rather than a handshake, but seniors in Jones County still got to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas on Saturday.
The 79 graduating seniors from Jones Senior High School participated in a commencement ceremony unlike any that has taken place before, thanks to precautions put in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Attendance for each student was limited, and the ceremony took place in front of the school so friends and family could watch from designated spaces in the school parking lot. A sound system and big screens helped ensure everyone was able to see and hear.
JSHS principal Tod Morgan said Saturday’s ceremony was the result of weeks of hard work by a fifteen-member committee, which worked to plan a ceremony that would fit in with state guidelines and still provide graduates with recognition of their hard work.
Morgan said he was incredibly proud of all the graduates, and of their achievements despite the obstacles they have faced. A special point of pride, Morgan said, was the fact that the Class of 2020 at JSHS had a 100% graduation rate, with 79 out of 79 students receiving diplomas.
“I’m happy we could do a ceremony. Many families were worried that there wouldn’t be anything,” Morgan said.
Valedictorian Maren Christiansen speaks at the JSHS Commencement Photo by Catherine Hardee / Neuse News
Maren Christiansen, valedictorian of the class of 2020, said Saturday’s ceremony meant a lot to her and her classmates, especially since many seniors in other counties weren’t able to participate in any type of ceremony. Christiansen also said the Class of 2020 is prepared to face any challenges that might be ahead.
“With everything we’ve gone through with hurricanes, flooding, and now a pandemic, if there is anything else to come, we’ve got it,” Christiansen said.
Country music artist Bryan Mayer sang the national anthem, and also treated the Class of 2020 to a special tribute song.
Long-time JSHS coach Glenn Smith, who is retiring this year, provided the keynote address.
Once all the diplomas were awarded, the graduates turned their tassels to a chorus of cheers, applause, and the honking of car horns from those assembled to witness the occasion, for a pandemic twist to the traditional ceremony.
