Cassville R-IV School District Serving Barry County, MO - Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

As COVID-19 has changed the way the world operates, it hasn't completely stopped everything. Cassville High School went above and beyond to be sure that our graduating class of 2020 was able to, not only graduate, but experience graduation in person. March 16, 2020, when the students were released from school, little did they know that it would be the last time they would walk through the hallways of Cassville High School.

On July 3, 2020, all seniors gathered at the high school football field at 8:30 a.m. to practice the graduation ceremony. For many students, this was the first time to reconnect with one another. Many students spent the rest of the day having lunch and just "hanging out" for what might be one last time.

At 4:00 the school offered family and individual photos in the FEMA building, which considering the sign of the times, fewer people were wearing masks than expected. But, people were keeping their distance and being very respectful of everyone's personal space.

At 7:30 p.m. the graduates came out onto the football field, all chairs were six feet apart in the front, back and sides. All faculty and staff wore gloves and/or masks. Each student was allowed the same option. No live band or choir as in years past to play or sing Pomp and Circumstance. The ceremony was very short and sweet, each student going to the front as normal, one at a time to receive their diploma. Some even handed the principal a roll of toilet paper in remembrance of the great toilet paper shortage!

After the ceremony, all students and family gathered on the field for after grad photos and a wonderful fireworks show. Although this was not the normal graduation ceremony, it was certainly one to remember! Is this the new future? Schools released early? Classes online? Graduations held outside, limiting the number of people allowed at graduation? No children allowed? No one knows, but the way our small community has adapted to the new norm has been wonderful to watch and be a part of.