With recent executive orders from Gov. Greg Abbott officially closing schools for the rest of the academic year, many districts are now faced with figuring out the best way to hold significant ceremonies like graduation for seniors.



Alvin ISD announced in a press release that it will be holding both a virtual and in-person graduation ceremony for the class of 2020.



This decision was based on a survey sent out to the parents of seniors looking to get their input on how best to hold graduation. The survey received over 2,000 responses.



“What we heard from our families is that they want that in-person graduation experience, even if that was later this year, so we are going to do our best to make that happen,” Superintendent Carol Nelson said in the press release.



The in-person ceremonies will be July 16 for Shadow Creek High School, July 17 for RISE Academy and Manvel High School, and July 18 for Alvin High School.



The virtual ceremony will be May 24 and will include both the valedictorian and salutatorian speeches as well as names being called for all graduating seniors.



Nelson also said that by holding the virtual graduation, the district will be able to celebrate students on their actual graduation day so they can have as close to the graduation experience as possible during these times.



“We know this has been a difficult end to the school year for our seniors,” Nelson said. “Hopefully, by providing both a virtual and in-person graduation, this will give our seniors a sense of closure with high school and allow them to look ahead to their future endeavors with hope and positivity.”