The 2021 high school graduates from the Kent School District celebrated their accomplishment with drive-thru ceremonies last week at six schools.
Graduates participated in events June 19 at Kentwood and Kentridge; June 18 at Kent-Meridian and Kentlake; and June 17 at Kent Academy and The Outreach Program. The iGrad school celebrated at the Kent-Meridian event.
“Yesterday was an amazing day that proved to myself and others that I am capable of anything I set my mind to!” Kentridge graduate Riyanna Crenshaw posted on the Kentridge Facebook page. “Thank you for those who were there to support me these past four years!”
Kent School District leaders stuck with the plan for drive-thru graduations despite a student protest and numerous emails and phone calls from parents and students asking for a more traditional ceremony. Administrators discussed the graduation plans May 26 with the Kent School Board after 13 emails were read by staff requesting a change to use French Field or another outdoor venue rather than the drive-thru events at the school.
This marked the second consecutive year the district had graduations at the school sites due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
Jessie Davis on stage to receive her diploma during the Kentridge High graduation ceremony. COURTESY PHOTO, Kentridge Facebook page
Kentridge High graduate Riyanna Crenshaw at the June 19 ceremony at the school. COURTESY PHOTO, Kentridge Facebook page
