Flint Township View

Carman-Ainsworth senior commencement set for June 17, 18




FLINT TWP. — Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools will be hosting an alternative commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020.

As announced by district administration, a “hybrid” graduation commencement will take place on June 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and June 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Carman-Ainsworth High School. The procession will begin at the athletic entrance behind CAHS and wind through the halls to the high school auditorium, where families will be able to witness and celebrate their child’s achievements together as students’ names are announced. Students and their families will be scheduled in 30-minute blocks of time to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Students will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and to greet CAHS Principal Charles LaClear, Superintendent Eddie Kindle and Carman-Ainsworth Board of Education members. A traditional tassel turn will be part of the ceremony, and professional photographers will be on hand to snap pictures. Families can also take photos, record video and share the occasion with their students in an up-close and personal manner.

The hybrid commencement celebration will encompass as many traditional aspects of commencement as possible, including: pre-recorded speeches from Superintendent Kindle, Principal LaClear, the graduation speaker and CAHS students; the class of 2020 slideshow; and highlights of the ceremony.

Each participant will be responsible for bringing and wearing their own personal protection gear. Masks must be worn upon entering the building, but students will be allowed to remove them when they walk to receive their diplomas.

All seniors at Carman-Ainsworth High School, Atlantis Alternative High School and Carman-Ainsworth Baker Academy are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony and will receive diplomas if their financial obligations are met and all credits are earned.

“As we come to the end of the school year, circumstances require us to rethink and adjust many of our traditions,” said Superintendent Kindle. “A huge part of the educational process is togetherness. Students thrive in an environment with peers, teachers and school staff. Families missed out on the end of winter sports and spring sports, musical performances and various club events.

“However, most importantly, our Senior Class of 2020 was unable to culminate their year with a traditional Commencement, which would have been (June 3),” Kindle added. “This is not how any of us imagined the spring semester ending. I want you to know that everyone— including the Board of Education, sends its sincere appreciation to our Class of 2020 for their work and determination; we care and support you.”

To sign up for a CAHS graduation commencement day and timeslot, please use this link forms.gle/PhPMrSwMYiQD75Do8.