The class of 2021 has faced many challenges these past two school years, and now it all seems to be coming to an end. With Covid-19 still present in today’s world, the large number of students graduating this year, and the hope that vaccines have given us, many wonder if a commencement ceremony will take place for the class of 2021, and what it may look like.

Norwalk High School, along with Brien McMahon High School, are doing their best to create a commencement ceremony that is as normal as it can possibly be for the graduates during these uncertain times.

At first, the plan was to split the 400 person graduating class into two different sessions during 5:30 and 7:30p.m. time slots. However, after much discussion, deliberation, and many pleas from the graduates, the ceremony was merged into one big ceremony to honor all graduating seniors, taking place at 5:00p.m..

Because graduation is outside, and the Covid-19 restrictions in Connecticut are more lenient in outdoor settings, guests are allowed in attendance to watch their graduate receive their diploma. There will also be a virtual graduation for those who cannot come because of space limits.

In an email to seniors, Mr. Reginald Roberts, the principal of NHS, explains, “Two guests for each graduate will be seated 6 feet apart in the stands. The graduation will be live streamed.”

The 2021 Commencement Ceremony is set to take place June 17 on Testa Field at NHS. Graduates will take the field, guests will be in the stands, and Pomp and Circumstance will play over the speakers. 

While this graduation may be different from the traditional ceremony, it is certain that the class of 2021 will have a proper sendoff into the “real world” after a year of uncertainty, chaos, and excitement.