2020 In-person
Graduations
Canceled
By Rebekah V.
The COVID-19 worldwide pandemic
has brought along a lot of uncertainty and
frustration. One group of people in
particular has been hit especially hard: the
graduating seniors of 2020.
Due to the rapid spreading of the
virus, Alpha Omega Academy had to make
the difficult decision to cancel the two
regional graduations scheduled for May 8th
in Orlando, FL and May 28th in Dallas, TX.
Principal Julia Ellis remarked that the
?health and safety of the students and
families is priority.? The early cancellation
allowed time for families to ?adjust plans
and cancel flights, hotels, etc.?
Even though this once-in-a-lifetime
experience has been canceled, AOA has
done its best to make up for it. AOA held
three virtual graduation ceremonies in
order to honor the graduating seniors. The
first was held on May 8th at 6 PM Central,
and the second and third were on May 15th
at 2 PM Central and 6:30 PM Central. The
ceremonies contained a message, a
presentation by a special commencement
speaker, the acknowledgment of the
seniors graduating with honors, and a
virtual presentation of a diploma to each
senior with each senior?s future plans being
shared.
Mrs. Ellis said that the school wanted
to give its best efforts to honor each
individual who graduated. To the seniors,
she says, ?everyone is just as proud of you
regardless if you graduated in a big
ceremony or in the comfort of your living
room. Your achievement of graduating high
school is no less worthy. I can?t say I have
the answers of why all of this is happening,
but I know God can and will use it for good
and for His purposes.?
In addition to the virtual ceremonies,
AOA is also offering 2020 seniors the
opportunity to attend and be recognized at
a 2021 regional graduation ceremony.
School News 3