VIENNA (WSIL) --75 students at Vienna High School graduated Friday night in a ceremony that had to be improvised even further.
The plan was to have graduates and their families drive up one at a time to receive their diploma, while adhering to social distancing guidelines, but the threat of rain forced a last minute change.
Instead, small groups were allowed to come into the gymnasium to get their diplomas and pose for pictures. School Superintendent Joshua Stafford said students deserved to have their achievements applauded after years of hard work.
"We felt like it was appropriate that we do whatever it took to get our seniors recognized," said Superintendent Joshua Stafford. "Graduation is one of those milestone staple events. It's the culmination of 12 years plus pre-K and kindergarten. So 14 years of a students career in education in essence and they made it."
Stafford added, "They crossed the stage tonight received their diploma and we are proud of every single one of them and didn't want to miss the opportunity to recognize and applaud what it is that they have each individually accomplished."
After the ceremony, students and their families paraded through downtown Vienna where the town came out the cheer them on and congratulate them on their accomplishments.
Massac County High School students participated in a virtual graduation ceremony using Facebook to broadcast the ceremony live. Organizers say they wanted to make sure the class of 2020 got the recognition they deserve.
