It is no secret that the coronavirus is still a major problem despite the efforts of officials across the state and the nation. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, both Sonoma and Lassen County actively eased stay-at-home orders in early May and both have recently seen a spike of new cases, forcing them to slow their efforts to reopen. In light of this unfortunate news and its implications, people have still found ways to celebrate important milestones such as high school graduation. 

On May 27, the Hart District released details on its plans for a drive-thru graduation celebration. However, due to the protests and riots emerging from George Flyod’s death, as well as the curfews imposed by the Los Angeles County, the Hart District had to change the schedule of the event numerous times. 

Rest assured, West Ranch High School’s drive-thru graduation will still take place on Thursday, June 4. Only one car per family is allowed, and graduates must arrive at their allotted time. According to the Department of Public Health guidance, top-down convertibles, limousines, party buses, flatbed trucks and motorcycles will not be allowed to enter. 

Graduates will need to be in their cap and gown and show their face masks for the car to be admitted into the Central Park lot.

The designated arrival time will be based on the first letter of a student’s last name:

7:30am – 8:30am   Last Names A – D

8:30am – 9:30am    Last Names E – L

9:30am – 10:30am  Last Names M – R

10:30am – 11:30am  Last Names S – Z

As summarized by The Signal, each of the graduation parades will occur at Central Park. Cars are set to enter at the stoplight off Bouquet Canyon Road and will be directed to the back of the park where the stage will be set up. 

In social distancing style, the graduate will exit the car wearing a mask, stand at an appropriate social distance from others, and be directed on stage when it is his or her turn. An administrator will read the graduate’s name and the graduate will walk on stage and collect their diploma cover before moving to a mark for a professional photo to be taken by O’Connor Photography. The graduate will then exit the stage on the opposite side they entered and return to their car. 

The entire event will be live-streamed on YouTube.

Actual diplomas will be distributed on June 5 at West Ranch. Other schools in the district will follow the same procedures on different dates. There is still a virtual graduation on June 3 which will include speeches from the principal, students, and the recognition of the Class of 2020.

“In an ideal world, we would have had more time to share information about these events so that families could plan accordingly” said district officials.

Seniors, remember that despite this exciting event so rigorously planned by district officials, we are still living in a pandemic with no cure yet in sight. Stay smart and safe as you plan for this upcoming occasion. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!