Milan High School To Hold Senior Caravan, Virtual Graduation Saturday

Celebrations will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday May 30.

(Milan, Ind.) - Milan Superintendent Jane E. Rogers reminds Milan residents to honor the graduates during tomorrow's celebration.  

"Graduating from high school is a milestone in education, marking the successful completion of K-12 education. It is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the accomplishments of the students and the class, reflecting upon successes, and wishing the best to the graduates as they embark upon the next chapter of life," says Milan Superintendent Jane E. Rogers.

With continued concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental restrictions, uncertainty has been created when dealing with the options of providing a graduation ceremony while maintaining a safe environment for all. 

Milan's Graduation committee, made up of senior officers, class sponsors, and administration, consulted with state and county officials and followed the guidance from the State Department of Education to decide that holding a virtual ceremony was the best option. 

Milan Community Schools will hold Commencement on Saturday, May 30. This Commencement will include a blended celebration of a Class of 2020 Caravan and virtual ceremony.

The corporation believes this will be a "unique recognition that will appropriately honor the Class of 2020."

"Having graduation on Saturday, May 30 affords us the best opportunity to honor all 94 graduates of the Class of 2020," says Superintendent Rogers. "This date has been on our school calendar and we felt it was important to hold our ceremony, whatever it would look like on this date. We realized that changing the date could possibly cause even more conflicts with families planning to come together as well as student obligations once they have graduated, such as college, industry certifications, or military obligations."

This "blended celebration" will include traditional parts of graduation such as speeches, formal pictures of the graduates, senior memories, and other tributes. 

The virtual ceremony will be recorded prior to or on May 30 and will be provided to families by June 5. 

The Senior Caravan will allow for the community to recognize the 2020 graduates.

Led by the Milan Fire Department, seniors will drive through Main Street, a tradition for Homecoming parades and victory celebrations.

Community members are encouraged to honor the Class of 2020 by parking their cars up and down the streets and honking their horns as the  graduates parade by. Superintendent Rogers requests that everyone adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Seniors will leave the high school at approximately 11:00 a.m.

"This pandemic is having a significant impact on our community, our state, our nation, and our world. We are making every effort to plan a celebration worthy of our senior class while acting responsibly during these unforeseen circumstances. Seniors, we are proud of you and hope that our efforts create memories for a lifetime. We realize this will be different than a typical graduation memory, however, it will be special and unique to you. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding," finishes Superintendent Rogers.