'It's just not going to be the same': Students share disappointment of losing traditional grad to COVID-19

When one reaches a certain age, there is hardly a triumph that compares to striding across the stage in a gown and grad cap to accept a diploma in front of a crowd of family, friends, teachers and peers.

But for students completing high school this year that quintessential academic experience will look very different, as measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 dash plans to hold traditional graduation ceremonies.

At Seycove Secondary in North Vancouver, B.C., like at many other schools, plans are being firmed up to create a virtual ceremony.

Students will be invited to don the ceremonial garb and, in small groups of 15, walk across a stage at the North Vancouver School District office — all while practising appropriate physical distancing. 

A photographer will be there to capture the once-in-a-lifetime moment, and video will be recorded, including the awards and valedictorian speech.

'It's just not going to be the same'

Student Brie Smallridge had been looking forward to the ceremony as the perfect way to cap of her time at Seycove — a time that abruptly ended before spring break.

"[It's] everybody's dream, kind of — that you're done school," said Smallridge.

"It's just not going to be the same, because the whole crowd isn't there watching you, the parents aren't there," she said. "It's not going to be the same feeling."

Smallridge said it doesn't seem fair that her class doesn't get that. She suggested postponing the ceremony would be better, but by the time the pandemic is over, many of her classmates may have left town for the next stage in their lives.

Her friend Lucy Lazarowich hadn't heard the school's official plan yet on Thursday afternoon, but said she's worked hard to overcome challenges with dyslexia and is excited to mark her achievement.

"I'm looking forward to anything that happens," she said, adding that the virtual experience might be a little strange.

It'll be the fourth time her mother, Gina Hole Lazarowich, gets to watch one of her children walk across the stage, though the virtual nature of this year's ceremony is "disappointing," she said.

"We're proud of her either way," she added.

Not just the ceremony

Graduating high school is also about the parties, the school traditions, prom — or banquet, in the case of Seycove — and enjoying those final days in school with your friends.

All of that is upset by COVID-19.

Lazarowich, Smallridge and many of their classmates at Seycove have already bought clothes for the cancelled banquet.

Smallridge picked a flowing, silver, glittery dress.

Lazarowich and her mother shopped all day for shoes and an elegant, long, rose-gold dress.

"I asked my mom, do you want me to return my dress, because when am I going to use it?" she said, but she's decided to keep it.

The two friends are also lamenting that the annual rafting trip has been cancelled. It usually includes cooking, camping, and spending a night with the class and chaperones.

District spokesperson Lisa Dalla Vecchia said officials are working hard to salvage the grad experience for the students.

"This should be a special time for our grads — the final stretch with year-end sporting events, drama productions, choir/band concerts — and, frankly, the fact that this is no longer an option sucks," said Dalla Vecchia.

Do you have more to add to this story? Email rafferty.baker@cbc.ca

Follow Rafferty Baker on Twitter: @raffertybaker