If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that parents and children alike are resilient. They can do hard things. But in reality, when life doesn’t go the way its supposed to for kids, it's a big deal. But virtual school, socially distanced sports, and even drive-by birthday parties have trained parents for celebrating their children in new and innovative ways in the new normal.
Things like hanging out with friends, going to prom, and graduation mark the end of one chapter of life and lead directly to the next — it’s a gateway to their future and when it’s taken away, they feel cheated. But through this global health crisis, parents have become more resilient and creative than anyone thought possible. With a little out-of-the-box thinking, graduation can be just as special as before, maybe even more. We've rounded up some ideas for an awesome virtual graduation.
Zoom Graduation Party
Hey, they did it for prom, so let’s give graduation a try via Zoom. Sure, it’s not what anyone expected, but it is socially distant and everyone is safe. Hire a virtual DJ, wear some fancy clothes, and celebrate online. Everybody eats and drinks what they want.
Sentimental Slideshow
Graduation is a big deal, not only for the students graduating, but also for their parents. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and it’s time to celebrate the next chapter of life. A perfect way to commemorate this moment is to put together a highlight reel. The best part? With all of the Zooming, it's now a breeze to share the slideshow with family near and far.
At-Home Awards Ceremony
Touching is a no-go this year, but the kids worked hard and earned those degrees and all of those awards over the past four years. Why not dress up, as a family, let that graduate wear her cap and gown and present her with physical awards. Shake her hand and give her those well-deserved kudos.
Drive-By Graduation Party
Now that drive-by birthday parties, baby showers, and even wedding receptions are a thing, why not a drive-by graduation party? Sure, it might not be the party grads were expecting, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and a year into a global health crisis is about as desperate as it gets.
Personal Outdoor Graduation
Gen Z is all about being special and doing things in new and innovative ways, so a personal outdoor graduation ceremony making him the true star of the celebration should be perfect. Sure, it stinks that all the family can’t be together to see it happen, but why not invite vaccinated grandparents and broadcast live to the rest of the family?
All the World's a Personal Stage
One of the most inspiring and empowering things about graduation is hearing those graduation speeches, but not everyone gets to speak their minds on graduation day. But if graduation is at-home for a party of one, every kid gets to be the star of her own show and all the world’s a personal stage. TikTok graduation, anyone?
Social Celebration
Create a beautiful video. Piece together some of the favorite memories of the grad growing up and post on social media. Don’t forget to get video approved by grad before it goes live. After it’s posted, encourage friends and family to leave kind words in the comments.
Make It a Formal Affair
Most people aren’t getting dressed in regular clothes these days. Why bother when most people are staying home a lot of the time? But a cap and grown make a difference — they set the tone. Order a cap and gown for the at-home ceremony, have everyone else get dressed up like they would to attend an in-person graduation, and let the grad feel the moment.
Do a Graduation Photo Shoot
In today’s world, if there aren’t any photos, did it even happen? Traditionally, lots of photos and selfies are taken by friends and family to commemorate the occasion, but that’s hard to do in a socially distant world. Instead, do a quarantined bubble photo shoot of the grad and share it virtually.
Get a Yard Card
Nothing says you’re proud of someone like sticking a giant yard card on the front lawn. It lets everyone who passes by know that someone special is being celebrated. It’s the 2021 equivalent of shouting from the rooftops how proud someone is of their child.
Foodie Fun
A small, intimate dinner party for the people living with the graduate can be a lot of fun. Pull out the fancy dishes and flatware, string some lights outside or light some candles inside, and cook his favorite food. Serve it with love and laughter and give that grad a night to remember.
Digital Yearbook
Getting the yearbook signed at the end of the year is a rite of passage, especially the senior yearbook. Right now, that’s an unnecessary touch point, so not a great idea, but also not something that should be skipped. Gather photos, senior quotes, and shoutouts and compile a digital yearbook providing a digital space for students to “sign” one another’s books.
Virtual Grad Night Talent Show
Grad Night is another senior tradition that allows students one last night to socialize, hang out, and laugh. It’s a bittersweet moment of closing the chapter of high school while basking in these last precious moments together. A virtual Grad Night talent show allows students to “hang out” safely in a virtual setting while sharing their talents with one another one last time.
Social Media Takeover
Randomly select seniors to take over the school’s Instagram for the day and share a day in the life using an assigned hashtag to keep everything easily accessible for all the seniors, such as #WildcatSeniors2021. It’s a great way for all the seniors to share and celebrate together even while socially distant. Just be sure not to share anything too outrageous because colleges are watching.
Senior Packages
A care package for graduates adds a tangible expression to a virtual graduation. These gifts are a great way of making seniors feel special. For example, a local high school prepared senior packages that included a personalized senior lawn sign, a school throw blanket, a journal, and a gift card to Starbucks. A virtually autographed senior photo booklet is also easily accomplished by using digital signatures and having each student sign and send back their autograph and a note of encouragement to their fellow seniors and having those added digitally to the booklet before printing and sending. In this situation, the thought definitely counts.
