2020 graduates got a less-than-ideal sendoff. So as vaccines become more and more available throughout northern Michigan, what will the class of 2021 experience?

Commencement event plans are being made, but officials acknowledge the need to be extremely flexible. “We’re making multiple contingencies,” says Dr. John VanWagoner, superintendent at Traverse City Area Public Schools. Options under consideration include both group and individual ceremonies. If COVID-19 conditions continue to worsen, he says TCAPS would consider virtual ceremonies, though he characterizes that as a last resort.

Commencement for Traverse City West and Central High Schools is currently planned for June 6 during the day. Traverse City High School is planned for June 4 in the evening. VanWagoner is pointing to Kresge Auditorium at Interlochen Center for the Arts as the most likely location, which is where graduation has traditionally been held. “Normally it would be at Interlochen, but we’re not sure if it will be allowed,” he says. Another option is Thirlby Field.

He says a final decision will likely take place sometime in May. “It’s too early to call,” says VanWagoner, who will lead a decision-making team including the associate superintendents and principals. “You’ve got to be flexible. As much as people want to get back to normal, that’s where we’re at. Our last choice is doing it virtually. We hope to absolutely avoid that.”

“It’s a triage mentality,” he continues. “There’s no mentor, nobody had been through this situation. You just make the best decision you can. We’re relying heavily on the Grand Traverse Health Department for recommendations and health protocols.”

As to other event plans, such as prom, a district spokesperson says it’s the goal to provide students and families with opportunities for memories, celebrations, and ways to honor and recognize their achievements. It is working in accordance with current COVID-19 guidelines, and is developing alternatives for multiple scenarios. The district will make its plans available to the families and the public as soon as they are finalized.

At Grand Traverse Catholic Schools, baccalaureate and commencement exercises are scheduled to take place May 28 at Pit Spitters Turtle Creek stadium, as they did last year. Social distancing and other health protocols will be in place.

Dr. Erick Chittle, principal at St. Francis High School, says last year demonstrated that change can be beneficial. “Were it not for the pandemic, we might not have ever considered the possibility of a combined baccalaureate mass and graduation. Last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we partnered with Pit Spitters Turtle Creek Stadium, and the evening was absolutely beautiful.”

Plans for both prom and the annual Gladhander fundraiser remain incomplete. Outside venues are under consideration.

Kingsley Area Schools is currently planning for graduation to take place June 11 at 7pm. Superintendent Keith Smith says the district’s smaller classes – typically between 90 and 120 students – make it easier to come up with alternate plans than at a district the size of TCAPS. “Traditionally we have it in the gym. Last year we had it on the football field,” he says.

Plans for prom call for it to be held at an outdoor venue, with only juniors and seniors from Kingsley participating. Smith says he knows that will disappoint students unable to have their boyfriend or girlfriend from elsewhere attend, but he believes it is the safest and most responsible way to hold the event.

“Things have gone remarkably better than expected,” Smith continues, though he’s acutely aware of the challenges the pandemic continues to pose. “What people aren’t talking about enough is the mental health of kids.”

At Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), an in-person, walk-through ceremony is set for May 1 at Milliken Auditorium. It will be held in accordance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines and NMC safety protocols.

Registrar Cindy Deemer says students must RSVP and will be assigned to go through the ceremony in 15-minute segments. They’ll be allowed up to two guests. Everyone will be masked, and though NMC President Dr. Nick Nissley and others will be present onstage, the entire ceremony will be touchless.

Students choosing to participate will be notified with their allotted time and other instructions. The ceremony will be streamed on the college’s YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person. Following the walk-through, graduates may continue their celebration outside the museum, where additional guests may join, following social distancing guidelines.

Sally Smarsty, student success coordinator, says other large-scale events, such as meetings, tutoring and other such activities, have mostly been done through Zoom meetings. She anticipates the same will be true for orientation for the nearly 1,000 students planning to attend the college in the fall.

She says the college is looking for new ways to do old activities. As an example, she says a movie night will take place outside North Hall using a large inflatable movie screen, so students can be safely distanced from one another. “It won’t go back to everything the way it used to be. We have lots of non-traditional and commuter students. We want to offer things online or in hybrid ways so maybe some students will participate who didn’t before.”