Since Friday, the Okaloosa County School District has received close to 1,500 responses from Seniors and Senior Parents on three proposed options for graduation this year.

While the final determination of what the ceremony will actually look like is largey dependent upon state guidelines for gatherings, roughly 85% support the idea of a modified ceremony this Summer.

Here are the 3 options:

• A modified ceremony this summer at which students are appropriately spaced on the field and limited, spaced seating is available for families. The event would also be live streamed for family and friends to see. (Parent-85%; Student-83%)
• A ceremony in which each student is individually filmed walking across the stage with a limited number of family members present. This would be pre-recorded and broadcast at a designated time this summer. Student speeches, etc. would be pre-recorded as well. (Parent-9%; Student 7%)
• An abbreviated virtual ceremony that includes only the reading of names and a photo of each graduate to be broadcast this summer and a time to honor graduates at some point in the fall/winter if restrictions on gatherings are relaxed. Student speeches, etc. would be pre-recorded as well. (Parent-6%; Student 10%)

“Our seniors have worked too hard over their educational years not to be properly recognized and honored,” said Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers. “The Class of 2020 was born in the days of 9/11 and they are graduating during this pandemic. This group of students exemplify grit, perseverance, strength and excellence. You will always be remembered.”

The survey is open through April 28th in Parent Portal.