This Friday, members of the Wright City High School Class of 2021 will cross the stage to receive their diplomas and close out an unsuspectingly unique chapter of their lives. 113 seniors managed to prevail through a year that required masks and social distancing but did not see a single day canceled due to COVID-19. 

“What stood out to me about this class was they were able to persevere without complaint,” said Principal Matt Brooks. “They understood what we needed to do to stay open, and they were on board from day one. They were able to do what it took for us to stay open.”

Unlike the Class of 2020, which was abruptly separated after the closure of school last spring, this year’s seniors enjoyed each others’ company without interruption. And they will come together once more on June 4, beginning at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate their accomplishments. 

The commencement ceremony will take place at the high school athletic complex, with graduates seated on the track and spectators seated in blocks of eight, per the ticket allotment, on the football field to allow for social distancing. 

“It’s going to look similar to last year as far as structure,” said Brooks. “We’ve expanded a little this year for those without tickets. They can use the visiting bleachers or bring their lawn chairs and sit along the outside of the track if they choose.”

The use of masks at graduation will be left up to the discretion of the individual spectators, while students and staff will be expected to wear face coverings. Social distancing is encouraged.

There will be golf carts and preferential parking for those in need of assistance.

Administration and staff will be seated on the home bleachers, which seniors will travel across in front of the podium to receive their diplomas.

This year’s ceremony will have three speakers. The student speakers are Class President Reagan Charlesworth and selected speaker Alex Polston. The faculty speaker, chosen by the senior class, will be Shannon Wells. 

The band and choir will not be performing at graduation this year.

While the Class of 2020 had its claim to fame, this group of seniors left school each day not knowing if they would be back in the building the next day or quarantined at a moment’s notice.

“This class has faced challenges,” said Brooks. “They had almost half a year where we were not in person and a full year where we had to wear masks and do social distancing or eat in the classrooms. When we started the year there was the thought that we might not be in person for long before we’d have to go out. Quarantines hit us pretty hard, but we were able to hold the line.”

The seniors were able to enjoy many of traditions that were canceled last year, such as prom and the senior awards night, at which $1,287,000 in scholarship awards were announced. 

In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be pushed to June 5 and then June 6. If rain interferes with the entire weekend, plans for moving graduation into the gymnasium on Sunday would be set into action.