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Graduation Plans Emerge: Speedway for Cabarrus Schools, Video For CMS

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Cabarrus County graduates will get their diplomas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, while Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is planning pre-recorded videos.

Those are plans that emerged Thursday as districts grapple with how to make the Class of 2020's commencement memorable and safe.

State Superintendent Mark Johnson announced that all 10 Cabarrus high schools will hold ceremonies at the speedway June 12 and 13. Students will watch a ceremony on the giant screen at the speedway, then drive onto the track to get their diplomas at the finish line.

CMS sent a survey to about 10,000 seniors seeking their preference among three options, which are identical except for the way the diplomas are delivered. All involve a pre-recorded virtual ceremony, with speeches by the superintendent, principal, valedictorian, salutatorian and senior class speaker, as well as a "possible celebrity message." The video will include a reading of graduates' names and display of their pictures.

One option calls for graduates to drive through their schools and pick up their diplomas, one for diplomas to be mailed, and one involves a future ceremony at school, after the diplomas are mailed.

Here's are the options being offered. The surveys are due Sunday.

CMS Graduation Option A

Pre-recorded virtual ceremony
National Anthem (Artist TBD)
Superintendent Address
Principal Address
Possible Celebrity Message(s) to Students
Val and Sal Speeches
Senior Class Rep Speech
Reading of each Graduate name (with a picture displayed, if available)
Pronouncement of the Class of 2020
Celebratory scheduled drive-thru event planned by the district
Students will pick up their diplomas at the CMS high school sites (specific assignments determined by the school)

 

CMS Graduation Option B

Pre-recorded virtual ceremony
National Anthem (Artist TBD)
Superintendent Address
Principal Address
Possible Celebrity Message(s) to Students
Val and Sal Speeches
Senior Class Rep Speech
Reading of each Graduate name (with picture displayed, if available)
Pronouncement of the Class of 2020
Diplomas will be mailed to each student after the virtual ceremony

 

CMS Graduation Option C

Pre-recorded virtual ceremony
National Anthem (Artist TBD)
Superintendent Address
Principal Address
Possible Celebrity Message(s) to Students
Val and Sal Speeches
Senior Class Rep Speech
Reading of each Graduate name (with picture displayed, if available)
Pronouncement of the Class of 2020
Diplomas will be mailed to each student after the virtual ceremony
Future school based celebration will be planned for graduates

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Ann Doss Helms has covered education in the Charlotte area for over 20 years, first at The Charlotte Observer and then at WFAE. Reach her at ahelms@wfae.org or 704-926-3859.