Coronavirus: Urbana kicks off graduation ceremony

Members of the Urbana High School Class of 2020 march down the isle in an empty auditorium Tuesday. Video was taken of the students marching in their cap and gown to be edited together for a virtual graduation ceremony since they couldn’t have a real ceremony due to the coronavirus. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Members of the Urbana High School Class of 2020 march down the isle in an empty auditorium Tuesday. Video was taken of the students marching in their cap and gown to be edited together for a virtual graduation ceremony since they couldn’t have a real ceremony due to the coronavirus. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Urbana High School seniors kicked off the start of their graduation ceremony Tuesday.

During a scheduled time, students could come to the high school dressed in their cap and gown to get their picture taken and be video recorded.

Seniors were video taped in small groups of about six students of them walking down the auditorim isle to graduation music and saying the alma mater.

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“The final edited video of the ceremony will be presented via live stream,” said Superintendent Charles Thiel. The virtual ceremony will be released at a later date.

When graduates were photographed and video recorded on Tuesday, they had to tell school officials then if they wanted to receive their diploma by mail or in-person some time next week.

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“High school administration and senior class advisor will be presenting diplomas to graduates on the steps of the Castle during scheduled times,” Thiel said. “Graduates will be able to schedule in 10 minute intervals and may have up to four family members present with them.”

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Seniors can schedule their times from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. or 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, or 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.

Students were orignially scheduled to be recorded exiting the front door of the historic Castle building and walking down the hill, but due to the rain they were recorded inside of the school’s auditorium.

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