The first of many virtual DeKalb County School District high school graduations began this morning with Cross Keys High School students being celebrated in ceremonies featuring the district's high schools running throughout the week.
The virtual ceremonies feature the national anthem, speeches from class valedictorians and salutatorians, words from school- and district-level leaders, and acknowledging each graduate by name.
Principal Jason Heard said Cross Keys’ graduating class of 251 graduates includes eight with a 4.0 grade-point average or higher, and more than $4 million in scholarship money.
“You made it, and you did that,” Heard told the students. “I am so proud of you. Do whatever you do, and do it well.”
Cross Keys is one of four schools holding ceremonies Monday, and will be followed by four high school graduations each day through Saturday.
DeKalb County School District officials announced virtual graduation ceremonies in May, more than two months after school buildings closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since, some schools held drive-through graduation caravans, allowing students and staff to see each other one more time before students move on to the next stage of their lives.