Members of Franklin High School’s Class of 2020 will have to wait until August to be officially honored at commencement ceremonies.
In a survey conducted by the Macon County Board of Education, that option got the most votes from graduating seniors.
By the time the school board reconvened to discuss graduation plans on May 26, 140 of Franklin High’s 196 graduating seniors had responded to the board’s survey of commencement options either online or by phone.
Fifty-seven graduates voted for option three, to wait until later this summer to make a decision in case looser restrictions allowed for a more conventional celebration. Fifty-four voted for option one, a modified ceremony with socially distanced graduates walking the stage while guests cheered from their cars; and 29 voted to pick up their diplomas in their caps and gowns via a drive-thru without a traditional ceremony.
While the results showed a very close margin between options one and three, the board members decided that option three best reflected the will of the student body. Whatever ceremony is decided on for Aug. 1, it will be subject to whatever state regulations are in place at the time.
“By then, we’re expecting that there will still be some limitations on gatherings, but we think we’ll be more flexible by then,” board chairman Jim Breedlove said.
Board member Stephanie McMahan, a strong proponent of option three, said she was not surprised to see support for delaying the ceremony. She feels that the risk of new regulations is worth the chance for the kids to finish off their high school experience the right way. She also said it was important to respect the choice that the kids made.
“You’ve got a majority asking for three, and I just don’t see why not,” McMahan said. “We’ve got to do whatever we’re allowed to do.”
Board member Fred Goldsmith emphasized that the board will cooperate with Macon County Public Health and the governor’s executive orders when making final decisions about graduation and that, above all, the wellbeing of the students will be the priority.
“We’ll go by whatever is in place at the time and we won’t put Macon County in jeopardy,” Goldsmith said. “We’ll try to honor the students’ wishes within the law.”
Because of unexpectedly high support for option two, Franklin High School will likely offer an early pickup alternative for interested students, though details have not been finalized yet.
Highlands School, Union Academy and Macon Early College will also hold their commencement ceremonies on Aug. 1.