Schools get creative as pandemic reshapes graduation ceremonies

Redwood High School’s June 12 graduation ceremony will look decidedly different than in years past. The coronavirus pandemic has stripped away much of the traditional pomp and circumstance that typically accompanies the long-awaited rite of passage. For Redwood’s class of 2020, there will be no standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers, no walking across the stage to receive their diplomas from the school’s principal and no hugs and high fives after tossing their caps into the air. Instead, this year’s seniors will don their caps and gowns — and face masks — and head to Marin Civic Center’s Lagoon Park in three separate groups for a physically distant drive-in ceremony that will feature speeches, music and the traditional turning of the tassel — with each grad participating from their family’s car. (Elliot Karlan photo / For The Ark)

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