Saskatoon family getting ready for virtual graduation ceremony during COVID-19

Rachel Rawlyk is looking forward to hergraduation ceremony, even if itmay be a little different this year.

Like every other graduate in Saskatoon's public and Catholic school systems, Rawlyk's school will be holding a virtual graduation ceremony. That means Rawlyk will walk across the stage and receive her diploma with her classroom pod in a recorded ceremony that will be released in late June.

"It's not what I expected, but I'm excited to graduate nonetheless," she said.

"This year was kind of tough, but this will still be an amazing and special day."

Last week, the provincial government updated its rules on graduation ceremonies. While the final decision on how the ceremonies will go was left up to individual school divisions,the province will allow outdoor graduation ceremonies of up to 150 people, not counting teachers and school staff, starting May 30.

Starting June 20, indoor graduation ceremonies of up to 150 people will be allowed as part of Step 2 of Saskatchewan's reopening plan.

Regina Public Schools is tentatively planning for graduation ceremonies to be held at Mosaic Stadium with a 150-person limit.

LISTEN| Sherry and Rachel Rawlyk appeared on Saskatoon Morning with host Leisha Grebinski

Rawlyk's mother, Sherry, believes keeping the ceremonies virtual in Saskatoon was a good idea.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the video because you can actually share it with more people," she said.

"And you don't have to worry about grandma and grandpa trying to show up two hours early to get a good seat. Everyone can watch from the comfort of their own home."

As the school's valedictorian, Rachel is busy writing the final draft of her speech, which will be recorded and added to the recorded ceremony.

While it's been difficult not seeing many of her classmates in person all year long, she said she hopes to leave the class on a hopeful note.

"I think that as tricky as many things seem right now, things are going to get better," she said.

"We've developed as people and we've learned how to be resilient. We've learned how to adapt, and we've learned all these great life skills."

The family plans on watching the ceremony and hold a backyard party at the end of June.