As April winds down, I have mixed emotions and questions. How much longer is this going to last? When will we all feel comfortable going to gatherings again? Will everything go back to the way it was or will this be our new normal?

I can’t imagine how the seniors feel who are graduating this year. As a former high school teacher, I know first hand what graduation means to these students. I have seen the student who messed up their first 3 years of high school and because of some epiphany, they finally get it together. They get it done by any means necessary whether it means summer school, night school, or taking on a full load for their last year of high school.

I’ve seen seniors jump for joy crying happy tears when they needed that one passing grade in one class just to graduate! In fact, I have chills as I am writing this. My heart absolutely breaks for the seniors of 2020. The senior sunset, assemblies, parties, senior trips, and all of the fun events that they’ve been looking forward to have all disappeared.

How about the student who has worked hard their entire life to be valedictorian and has practiced their speech since 5th grade? What about the student with a blended family who is elated thinking how this will bring harmony to both sides of the family because everyone will put aside their own issues for one day to celebrate?

Whatever the case, graduation is definitely a monumental milestone in one’s life. If you’re in a blended family or not…hopefully the ideas below will help your senior and family create lasting memories!

#1
Car Parade

I’ve seen a lot of schools do this to celebrate students. I am also about to participate in one for a friend’s birthday. I think this is a great idea to show someone they’re special when we can’t be near them. Just get an address and plan on a time and date and have everyone drive by with signs while yelling and honking!

#2
Zoom or House Party Meeting

These are 2 apps that allow multiple people to see each other like FaceTime! Having these with my friends during this quarantine has definitely helped me feel a little normal.

#3

Make a Video Montage

Have friends and family text you a video clip saying how proud they are of your senior. Then create a video montage using apps such as iMovie or Vivavideo. I am sure there are more apps but these are the only 2 I have used. They’re not too difficult to figure out which is a bonus!

#4

Small “Party”

Throw a party that mimics graduation at home with the people you’re quarantined with. Have parents/step parents say speeches as well as your senior. If they are all about it have them write an actual 3 min speech or if they are hesitant, maybe they’ll say a couple words describing their feelings. If you’re up for it, build a mini stage or podium for them to walk across and/or deliver their speech!

#5
Gifts

This article really isn’t supposed to be about gifts but if you can find something personalized and sentimental then great! As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I love Etsy for this type of thing!

Happy Graduation and Congratulations to the Seniors of 2020!