The end of the school year usually means graduation ceremonies, celebrations and going away parties. But in light of COVID-19, most graduation celebrations have been canceled in favor of “virtual commencements”. Read on to learn everything you need to know about celebrating the graduate in your life during these unusual times.
Send Graduation Announcements
One thing that has remained unchanged in the current world landscape is the need for announcing the accomplishments of graduates. Now more than ever, sending graduation announcement cards is a positive, easy way to celebrate the graduate. Be sure to send announcements to your friends, family and anyone else who has supported your student throughout their education.
Attend a Virtual Ceremony
Some universities and high schools are hosting virtual graduation ceremonies. To make sure the experience is as meaningful as possible, make sure you and any “guests” are prepared. If your graduate will be on video, they should be looking and feeling their best! Have them dress up as they would for a traditional ceremony, cap and gown included. Make sure the laptop or device they’ll be using is fully charged and is sitting on a solid, flat surface. Make sure the background behind them is clear and uncluttered, with good lighting.
For guests, make sure they have clear directions on how to “access” the ceremony. They likely won’t be on video, so it’s not as important for them to look the part, but it is nice to actually dress up. They’ll also want to make sure that their WiFi connection is solid – the last thing anyone wants is the connection to glitch as your graduate is being mentioned!
Acknowledge Their Accomplishments
Missing out on a true commencement ceremony will be upsetting for any student. To remedy some of that sadness, make sure you acknowledge their achievement just as you normally would.
Another fun way to show off your graduate is with public signage. Personalize a yard sign or banner for your home so that everyone who drives by will know that you’re celebrating. Send customized gifts in advance, or drop them off if you’re local. Stumped for a gift idea? Check out our gift guide for the grad in your life.
Plan a Parade
Even though you can’t celebrate your graduate with a party, there is still a way to bring all their friends and family together. A fun way to do so is to host a parade! Arrange chairs and decorations in your front yard or driveway. The more decorations, the better! Send invitations to your guests, requesting that they walk or drive by your home and share their well wishes from their car window or the sidewalk. If you want to make the celebration even more fun, use a remote-controlled toy to send them a sweet treat – from a safe distance. Pro tip: To make the parade even more fun, ask your “guests” to make signs that they can put on the side of their vehicle.
It’s no question that missing out on a traditional graduation ceremony is a sad result of the current world landscape. But with joyful announcements, non-traditional celebrations and personalized gifts you can still acknowledge the huge accomplishment. Do you have any more tips for celebrating graduations virtually, amidst COVID-19? Share your tips and tricks in the comment section below for others to hear.
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
I recently drove past a house with letters on the storm door that read, “Congratulations Graduate 2020!” I think ppl should post notices like that on their homes to provide the opportunity to brighten someone else’s day by allowing them to drop a positive note in the mailbox celebrating the student and, in turn, brightening the student’s day. It’s tough enough already and this would be a unique way to celebrate an uncommonly amazing bunch of graduates. Someone might even leave a gift card!
What a great idea, MCatherine!
Whether you “hire” someone special (a mentor or favorite teacher of the graduate, perhaps?) or choose a specific family member or friend, having an honorary “commencement speech” just for those celebrating virtually could be an excellent way to add an “event” to a virtual celebration being held via Zoom. They can offer words of wisdom, a little humor, and some personal memories as your graduate enters their next phase of life.