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MHS graduation on May 28 is now drive-thru event
Marianas High School’s request for a face-to-face graduation for its seniors has been denied, according to an announcement to MHS seniors in a YouTube video uploaded to MHS’ official YouTube channel last May 17. It was previously reported that MHS will be holding an in-person, non-traditional graduation on May 28 at the CPA airport field.
In the announcement, MHS principal Jonathan Aguon clarified that, while the initial plans for the event were approved, after close assessment and consultation with Public School System leadership and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, it would prove difficult to ensure that the event’s potential 300 graduates will all comply with COVID-19 safety protocols. As such, the transition into a drive-thru graduation was made for the community’s safety. Aguon apologized for prior announcements of an in-person graduation ceremony.
“It was nice to have hope while it lasted. I am appreciative of our admins in that they tried their best to give MHS students a semi-traditional graduation. As long as we continue to be optimistic, we are going to be okay,” said one graduating senior from MHS.
“It’s unfortunate…but I understand that it’s for the safety of the community,” said another graduating senior.
MHS vice principal Romolo Orsini said the shift from a face-to-face to a drive-thru graduation “should not shadow the achievements and success MHS has had this past school year,” but “should be a testament that MHS is a pioneer of new possibilities, a community willing to rock the boat, and a family that continues to encourage and push each other to [be] their best selves.”
Aguon wants MHS’ seniors to know that the MHS leadership “worked hard and planned meticulously to make an in-person graduation possible” and that they will continue to serve the students through having “an unforgettable drive-thru graduation.”
The graduation will still take place on May 28 at the CPA airport field, but will now begin at 2pm to account for traffic as the school’s expected hundreds of seniors arrive in their vehicles.
