As a class of 2020 senior, my fellow classmates and I are getting handed the biggest letdown of the year. We see the decision has been made to cancel all graduation ceremonies in response to the covid-19 pandemic. This is very unfair to us, as we continue to see things like casinos, restaurants, tattoo shops, and beauty stores become open to the public. We are told that the risk of spread is too high to have a normal ceremony. Well, we’re not asking for normalcy, we’re asking only for our moment. We know things have changed and we are prepared to adjust accordingly. In case you needed help, here is a plan created by Clinton H. Giles-

“Laidley Field is owned by the taxpayers of the County.  Therefore, no rent would have to be paid. It could have been utilized, alternately, by each of the 8 high schools. Seating could have been arranged on the artificial playing surface of the field to provide for social distancing of the graduates. A portable stage could have been assembled on the East end zone area with the state capitol as a backdrop. Orchestra/band and choir space could have been arranged on the running track on the North side, as well, or in the bleachers on the North side. The PA system at the stadium would have ensured that all assembled there would be able to clearly hear each speaker. And the message board at the West end of the stadium could have been utilized to enhance the experience. The area behind the stadium on the North (Interstate) side could have been  utilized as a staging area providing plenty of room for the entire graduating class of each school. With a 17,000 seat capacity, more than enough room would have been provided with social distancing opportunities for the entire audience in attendance for each graduation on the South side. The ceremonies could have been conducted over a four-day period of time, with one ceremony being conducted in the morning - for example at 10 AM and another performed in the afternoon at approximately 4 PM.  This would ensure the facilities could be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and maintained to high standards. It appears that maybe because the Charleston Colosseum and Convention Center was unavailable as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, no other graduation/commencement locale possibilities were explored by the powers that be of Kanawha County Schools which is a sad, sad, state of affairs given the importance of this culminating experience for each of the high schools and their graduating senior classes. It is still not too late to do this!”

Creator/plan outliner-Clinton H. Giles