Dukes celebrate until they meet again
Published 9:55 am Friday, June 12, 2020
Jordan Newman presents his diploma for the focused cameras of his family and photographers. He is joined by, from left, CuCPS Superintendent Dr. Amy Griffin, CCHS Principal Eugene Williams Jr. and CuCPS Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Dr. Chip Jones. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
The Dukes sign greeted CCHS graduates as they entered the CuCPS complex June 2. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
CCHS graduate Caroline Seal, center, is joined on stage by, from left, Del. Thomas C. Wright Jr. and CCHS Principal Eugene Williams Jr. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Jack Giles receives some help in donning his regalia moments before being honored. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Kameryn Woodson, right, celebrates his graduation with a friend, Shay Walker. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Ryan Stimpson smiles for a photo moment before getting in his vehicle after having experienced the CCHS Drive-Thru Diploma Celebration. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Makayla Brown moments after her walk on stage. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Raheema Fulani expresses joy as she is recognized for graduating from high school. (Photo by Alexa Massey)
Kevin Isom, right, commemorates his high school graduate status June 2 via a photo with his mother, Vickie Isom. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
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The COVID-19 pandemic may have dimmed the glow of some aspects of the 2019-20 school year, but Cumberland County High School (CCHS) graduates still had a moment in the sun in June.
The CCHS Drive-Thru Diploma Celebration took place June 2 at the Cumberland County Public Schools (CuCPS) complex, drawing a majority of the approximately 105 members of the high school’s class of 2020.
An official graduation is still planned, set to take place Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m.
Nevertheless, administrators and teachers went to great lengths to make the June outdoor event special. They weathered some heat in their full regalia on a sunny but occasionally breezy day as they lined the road in front of the middle school, leading to a stage that was built to highlight the graduates.
Each senior was given their diploma and honors cords before their name was called and they took the stage. Once on the stage, they had their picture taken by a professional photographer, and family and friends were able to take pictures and record video from the lower parking lot as “Pomp and Circumstance” played over a speaker system.
Then family and graduates migrated down to the other end of the complex for another, less formal photo opportunity in front of a backdrop dotted by school logos.
The drive-thru event was held in two sessions, one running 10 a.m.-noon and the other running 1-3 p.m. Different shifts of faculty came in to line the road throughout the day.
