Clark-Shawnee holds individual graduation ceremonies

Shawnee graduate Matt Kendall gets some help putting on his cap from fellow graduate Isabelle Lee and her family in the parking lot of Southgate Baptist Church. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Shawnee graduate Matt Kendall gets some help putting on his cap from fellow graduate Isabelle Lee and her family in the parking lot of Southgate Baptist Church. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Clark-Shawnee High School seniors will wrap up their individual graduations today. .

The individual ceremonies started Thursday at Southgate Baptist Church located at 2111 S. Center Blvd. due to the construction taking place at the school, according to Superintendent Brian Kuhn.

“I would have much rather had the traditional ceremony, but they did really well with what they could and it was nice,” said senior Matt Kendall.

Students were allowed to bring up to 10 guests during their scheduled appointment time to receive their diploma and awards.

PHOTOS: Shawnee Begins Individual Graduations

Individuals were required to wear a face covering, but graduates could take theirs off when receiving their diploma, Kuhn said.

One parent said the ceremony was nice, but thinks it can be disappointing for the students.

“I think it was very nice as it could have been under the circumstances,” said James Leslie, father of senior Alexis Leslie. “It’s disappointing for the kids that they didn’t have a normal graduation, but this is the new normal.”

READ: Coronavirus: Clark, Champaign schools set start dates, begin planning for reopening

A professional video was being recorded of the seniors graduating, and will include speeches, commencement address and other features.

“The Shawnee High School Commencement Exercises have always been a first-class event for our graduates and their families—this high standard will continue,” Kuhn said. “This video will highlight our students and serve as a memento of this event that can be shared with friends and family.”

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