JOPLIN, Mo. –Joplin high school seniors were able to celebrate a huge milestone Sunday.
One that many did not get to fully experience last year.
“Last year we had a drive-through graduation where kids drove through and they got a charm, and a certificate, but then we had a walk through graduation where kids–six families at a time could walk across the stage, the families could come in and watch their kids graduate, walk across the stage, so it wasn’t like a live real graduation,” said Joplin High School Principal, Stephen Gilbreth.
Joplin high school’s principal says he’s excited that they get to have a full ceremony for this year’s graduating class.
“I think it means a lot to the kids, I know they are super excited at the opportunity to gather on this last day with all of their friends and celebrate and have their family members see them walk across the stage and receive their diploma, I know they are all super excited about it,” Gilbreth said.
Many students were worried they wouldn’t be able to have a ceremony like this due to the pandemic.
“I’m extremely grateful that we get to do this, it’s awesome, I was nervous that we weren’t gonna get to have the real deal experience but I’m very grateful, it’s a blessing that we are and I’m happy to be here,” said graduate, Ben Wardlow.
And after dreaming of this day for four years, one graduate was especially thankful for the in-person ceremony so she could make a long-awaited speech.
“I’ve been looking forward to giving it for close to four years, so I’ve been crossing my fingers it got to happen, it feels really good that we get to celebrate together and a good sendoff into what the next chapter of our lives hold”, said graduate Abigail Surbrugg.
Although some grads say they felt bittersweet about leaving this chapter of their lives behind, they were ultimately filled with joy about reaching this milestone and are excited to look towards what the future holds for them.
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