BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Kern High School District students are set to walk the stage this week. But because of the pandemic, there are some changes to the usually crowded ceremonies.
It’s taken years to get to this point and these seniors faced some obstacles this past year due to the pandemic, but now hundreds of graduates gather here Monday to celebrate their successes with their loved ones by their side.
“With my parents, they've been there through this entire journey they've helped me on long nights with homework tests and everything," said Nikki Vignolo, Stockdale High graduate. "So it's like a part of them is with me going across the stage.”
With so many unknowns about the future, some Stockdale High School students were not sure if they'd even get to cross the stage at their graduation ceremony. Karlee Taylor was one of them.
“At the beginning of this year I wasn't sure if we would ever even go back to school I wasn't sure if we would have a graduation," Taylor said. "I wasn't sure we'd even get anything, so just so just being here and getting this is just super exciting.”
That's because schools across the country shut down their campuses due to the pandemic, but Monday night brought a welcomed sight: the class of 2021 all together for the first time in nearly a year.
Over at Mira Monte High more of the same, with students looking back at all the hard work they've put in these past few years.
A new chapter means leaving behind some unforgettable memories even with all the challenges due to the pandemic.
Students can invite up to four guests. Two will sit in the stands and the other two on the field. Ceremonies will be livestreamed for family members to watch from home.
Face coverings are needed and guests are urged to take a COVID test before going to graduation.
SEE LIST OF GRADUATION DATES AND TIMES BELOW:
2021 Graduation Schedule
