WEYAUWEGA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Football fields have sat empty through the coronavirus pandemic.
But at Weyauwega-Fremont High School, the class of 2020 is taking the field.
“It was sketchy for a while wasn’t it? But I’m glad they get to have some celebration,” parent Todd Rice said.
“I am very nervous, I mean I’m kind of sad that we have to do it this way and not the traditional way. But such is the norms today I guess,” student Josh Barnett said.
Sixty graduating seniors walked the stage Friday evening. Each student was given four tickets, so families could social distance in the stands.
“The student’s chairs are all six feet apart on our football field. Just providing the opportunity to have something face-to-face, we’re also providing a live-stream option for additional family members,” principal Jodi Alix said.
Masks were also required.
Alix says the Waupaca County Health Department approved the ceremony.
“As long as we followed the procedures and practices that were in place from public health, and social distancing was required, public health felt we were doing a safe graduation as possible,” Alix said.
Graduating senior Julia Rice’s dad says the event feels safe.
“I think they’ve taken a lot of steps to make sure that people are social distancing,” Rice said.
While students are moving on, they had one last special moment courtesy of local pilots.
“They are planning a flyover somewhere through the ceremony to be able to honor the 2020 graduates,” Alix said.
It’s the mark of a different senior year coming to a close.
“Do you think you’ll miss it here?” FOX 11 asked Julia Rice.
“Parts of it, yeah, definitely. Small town,” Rice said. She will be attending UW-La Crosse in the fall.
“I am so excited to continue the next chapter of my life,” Barnett said.
Community members held a parade for Weyauwega-Fremont’s class of 2020 following the ceremony.
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