Ann Arbor Public Schools announce tentative dates for in-person graduation ceremonies
ANN ARBOR – In a recent update, Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift announced that the district is moving forward with plans to hold in-person graduation ceremonies this year. Last year, all ceremonies were canceled due to concerns over the then-new coronavirus pandemic and each high school organized drive-thru events and virtual ceremonies for its seniors. Swift confirmed that Huron, Pioneer and Skyline high schools will have traditional graduation ceremonies outdoors at Eastern Michigan University’s stadium. Tentative dates for the three ceremonies:Huron High School: Wednesday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m.Pioneer High School: Thursday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m.Skyline High School: Monday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m.Community and Pathways high schools are also planning to hold outdoor commencement ceremonies. In addition to the graduation update, Swift announced that all Class of 2021 students will receive a celebratory yard sign like last year.
U-M students, parents rally for in-person graduation
Parents and students gathered in Ann Arbor Saturday to preserve a big milestone at the University of Michigan. READ: ‘We’re coming no matter what’: Parents, students rally at U-M in Ann Arbor for an in-person graduationA rally was held to push U-M officials to hold an in-person graduation. The attendees of the rally chanted “Big House, big day, in-person graduation all the way,” in front of Michigan Union on State Street. RELATED: Some University of Michigan students and parents push for in-person commencementOther Big Ten universities -- including Michigan State University and Purdue University -- have announced they will do some sort of an in-person graduation, which is why these parents and students believe Michigan can find a way. However, some parents and students think the university can come up with a plan to do it now while the students are still on campus.
‘We’re coming no matter what’: Parents, students rally at U-M in Ann Arbor for an in-person graduation
Parents and students rally outside the Michigan Union on March 6, 2021, calling for an in-person Spring Commencement. ANN ARBOR – A group of University of Michigan parents and students gathered outside the Michigan Union on Saturday afternoon calling for the school to offer an in-person graduation. AdU-M parent and rally organizer Tammy Dahlstrom holds a sign on S. State Street in Ann Arbor on March 6, 2021. There’s no real reason why we can’t do it.”Dahlstrom said the group wants one graduation ceremony at Michigan Stadium, which could be smaller than normal years. Senior Claire DiFranco (right) rallies for an in-person gradution at University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus on March 6, 2021.
University of Michigan’s Spring Commencement will stay virtual this year
ANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan has announced that its Spring Commencement will take place virtually on May 1 at noon. During a normal year, Michigan Stadium would be bustling with graduates, their friends and family. “We still do not know what public health measures will need to be in place in May to hold events like commencement. Students’ individual names will not be read during the virtual event and diplomas will be mailed to their permanent residences. Additionally, President Schlissel announced that any graduates who missed an in-person commencement due to COVID-19 are invited to participate in any commencement ceremony of their choosing in the future.