Celebrating High School and College Graduates Takes on a Whole New Meaning for the Class of 2020
If there’s any group of people we are holding in our hearts these days, it’s the high school (and college) graduates throughout Champaign-Urbana and its surrounding communities.
No prom. No in-person graduation (banned by the state, as of April 30). No award ceremonies or signing of the yearbooks.
So many rituals will be missed.
Well, the Class of 2020 will be remembered for so many reasons – and honored in new ways that might create new traditions. Celebrating this milestone has taken on even more importance, in a year when nothing seems familiar.
And we have several ideas on how to do that, right here in the Champaign-Urbana area.
We are grateful to our friends at Sign Gypsies Champaign for presenting this unique guide for unique times.
Get Creative: Decorate Doors and/or Windows
Much like the hearts that dominate many of our windows/doors celebrate healthcare and essential workers, this door/window decoration idea is more specific to a certain student or school. Create a front door or window collages to celebrate your family’s high school or college senior. Stumped for ideas? Use school colors and imagery that represent your student. From photos to “clip art” that invokes your child’s interests (music/sports/academics/extra-curriculars) and more; there’s no rules here.
Schedule a Graduation Parade (Social Distance Style)
We’ve seen these pop up now all over the place for birthday celebrations. Why not do a graduation parade? Might be fun to add in a little wrinkle: definitely invite friends and family, but could also be an opportunity to engage teachers (and how about the ones from previous years) and other special people from throughout your child’s life. Encourage car decorations, signs, and more. Honking and music are optional. Distribute cake for an added effect. (safely, of course).
Create a Graduation Party – Over Zoom
Sure, the plans for that big soiree with a tent in the backyard are now scrapped. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a party – and it can include all those far-flung relatives. Zoom parties are getting more and more creative, with folks using the platform to play games or trivia, have virtual talent shows, and even “share” a meal. Use the platform to show a photo slideshow or video. Create your own custom virtual (or real) background. One thing you can do: make or buy that graduation cake and deliver it (contactless of course) to friends and family in town. (You can get slices of cake locally at Art Mart, Hopscotch, Harvest Market, and other bakeries).
Put Together a Book of Memories or Words of Wisdom
En lieu of that signed yearbook or tons of graduation cards: create a “book” of memories or words of wisdom. Ask family, friends, and former teachers/professors or others who have impacted their lives to send you a written memory, a photo of your graduate, and/or some words of wisdom. Do it via technology: have people write a reflection on social media or in the notes section of their phone, and screenshot it and send it. Use the images to create a photo book; those can still be made online (we like Walgreens services for much of this).
Get a Yard Sign or Banner – Make Your Own or Buy One
We’ve seen yard signs pop up all around town to express different sentiments. If you have an old yard sign, repurpose it DIY style to honor your graduate. Some folks are going all out with personalization including photos and names. There are local companies that are selling small custom yard signs, such as Campus Ink. For a less permanent sign that will really make a permanent impression, check out our friends at Sign Gypsies.
Graduation Photo Shoots
One of the most iconic photos there is in our family’s memories is the cap and gown photo. How about a photo shoot of your amazing graduate? College students may have a cap and gown. For high school students, this might be more difficult, but regardless of the attire, this is an important milestone to cover. Parents are taking the DIY approach and doing the photography themselves (safely) at special locations of the student’s choosing. Della Perrone Photography is offering “Front Steps” photos, where families (or individuals) can be photographed at home – social distance style – in exchange for a donation to charity.
Do you have an idea we missed? Send it to us – editor@chambanamoms.com