“Graduation in the COVID-19 era begins!”
That was the message today from the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), which posted images on social media from the first scheduled drive thru graduation ceremony at Hercules High. Senior Zion Isaiah Barnes (pictured) became the first graduate celebrated at the Hercules High graduation, which is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow.
The ceremony included a quick address by Valedictorian Kayla Balabanis, as posted on Twitter by WCCUSD Superintendent Matthew Duffy.
WCCUSD had initially decided to conduct virtual-only graduations until Contra Costa Health Services released new guidance that allowed for car-based gatherings.
Schedule of drive-thru graduation ceremonies.
Hercules High: May 27-28 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Middle College High: May 29 or May 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
El Cerrito High: June 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; June 2, noon to 3 p.m.
De Anza High: June 1, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; June 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Richmond High: June 3, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; June 4, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Kennedy High: June 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; June 5, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pinole Valley High: June 4, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; June 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vista High: June 5, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sylvester Greenwood Academy: June 6: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
