The Class of 2020 for Garden Valley Collegiate and Northlands Parkway Collegiate will not go without being recognized by its school administration and division.

Staff from both Winkler schools and senior administrators from the division office connected to brainstorm as many possible ways of what grad could look like.

Northlands Parkway Principal Tammy MacDonald, says part of the celebrations will include a live-streamed event that will resemble a typical grad ceremony.

"There's going to be the same types of things as a regular grad ceremony like welcome speeches, a valedictory address, the names of the graduates, the award recipients, best wishes, an invocation, that kind of thing... And as GVC is doing, we will be providing students, along with their parents, an assigned date and time to come to the building (respective school) to receive their diploma."

It will also be an opportunity for the grads to pose for pictures with their caps and gowns, which they will have at home for more than a week for more family photo opportunities.

"We really feel for our graduates. To have their school year cut short, and just really with such an abrupt ending in a lot of ways. It's tough," says GVC Vice-Principal Brendan Neufeld.

The 2020 graduation celebrations will actually start off at the beginning of June. The delivery of 'yard cards' to the front yards of each grad will kick things off.

Neufeld says the 'yard cards,' designed similarly to an election sign, will have the school's logo, and announce that a member of the class of 2020 from either NPC or GVC lives at the residence.

"We thought it would be a neat way to connect with each graduate, celebrate them as we drop these off...It would be neat if we could spread the word as well and even get the neighbours down the street to come out and clap their hands, and maybe shout out a celebratory comment and enjoy that moment together."

With banquets not allowed at this time, both schools are hoping to get their entire grad classes together as a group at least one more time. MacDonald says they would love to do something, possibly in the style of a banquet in the fall for the grads, if Manitoba Health will allow larger gatherings.

The schedule of dates and events for Garden Valley Collegiate's graduation plans as presented to the Class of 2020

The following information was submitted by NPC Principal Tammy Macdonald. It outlines details of NPC's grad plans.

Monday, June 1st, 2020 (rain date Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020). Special delivery of Yard Signs

"As we place the cards on the graduate’s front lawn, we are inviting neighbors and community members to join us by applauding for their graduating neighbour. We would love to get photos with grads to include in our video ceremony."

Graduation Ceremony

At 10:30 am on Monday, June 22nd,

Presentation of Diplomas will happen between Tuesday, June 23rd to Thursday, June 25th, 2020. Abiding by MB Health regulations, parents can be present for this. More details to follow.