Graduate Amaya DiGiovanni signs a class poster while graduates pick up their diplomas as Schalmont Central School District holds a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Graduate Dillon DiGirolamo receives his diploma from Superintendent Dr. Carol Pallas as graduates pick up their diplomas during a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. Dillon's family records the special moment from their truck.(Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Graduate Dillon DiGirolamo puts on his face mask in the back of his family's pickup truck as graduates pick up their diplomas during a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Graduates pick up their diplomas during a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Graduate Giovanni DellaPorta poses for a photo with school superintendent Dr. Carol Pallas as graduates pick up their diplomas during a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
A poster of the class of 2020 photo is hung on the fence of the tennis courts as graduates pick up their diplomas during a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Schenectady High School senior Maram Ahmed, 18, poses in graduation attire in front of Proctor's Theatre.
Courtesy of Aram Ahmed
Coronavirus is making commencement look a little different this year for 2020 graduates in the Capital Region. Scroll below for photos. For more ways the Capital Region is carrying on during the coronavirus pandemic, join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tucoronavirus/
Columbia High School senior Nina Tedeschi waves as a car parade of East Greenbush School District teachers and staff drive by her home on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. Tedeschi, the class salutatorian, is going to be studying at Johns Hopkins University where she will be majoring in biomedical and mechanical engineering. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
East Greenbush School District school bus driver, Carianne Rudolph leads a parade of cars filled with school teachers and staff on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
East Greenbush School District teachers and staff take part in a parade on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
East Greenbush School District teachers and staff take part in a parade on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Doane Stuart Head of School Cecil Stodghill knocked on doors of the school's graduating seniors throughout the Capital Region on Saturday, May 16, 2020 to deliver a Thunderchicken sign and his personal congratulations.
Courtesy of Doane Stuart
Doane Stuart Head of School Cecil Stodghill knocked on doors of the school's graduating seniors throughout the Capital Region on Saturday, May 16, 2020 to deliver a Thunderchicken sign and his personal congratulations.
Courtesy of Doane Stuart
Doane Stuart Head of School Cecil Stodghill knocked on doors of the school's graduating seniors throughout the Capital Region on Saturday, May 16, 2020 to deliver a Thunderchicken sign and his personal congratulations.
Courtesy of Doane Stuart
Doane Stuart Head of School Cecil Stodghill knocked on doors of the school's graduating seniors throughout the Capital Region on Saturday, May 16, 2020 to deliver a Thunderchicken sign and his personal congratulations.
Courtesy of Doane Stuart
Doane Stuart Head of School Cecil Stodghill knocked on doors of the school's graduating seniors throughout the Capital Region on Saturday, May 16, 2020 to deliver a Thunderchicken sign and his personal congratulations.
Courtesy of Doane Stuart
Doane Stuart Head of School Cecil Stodghill knocked on doors of the school's graduating seniors throughout the Capital Region on Saturday, May 16, 2020 to deliver a Thunderchicken sign and his personal congratulations.
Courtesy of Doane Stuart
La Salle Institute faculty and staff gathered tin a socially distanced fashion to honor the members of the Class of 2020, on the day of what would have been the Cadets’ formal graduation ceremony. Cadets and their families arrived at the La Salle Institute campus by car, and stayed in their vehicles as they heard an opening prayer and blessing from Campus Minister Ted Deeb, recognition of students by Vice Principal for Academics Matthew Michaud and remarks by La Salle Institute Principal Joseph Raczkowski.
Coutesy of La Salle Institute
La Salle Institute faculty and staff gathered tin a socially distanced fashion to honor the members of the Class of 2020, on the day of what would have been the Cadets’ formal graduation ceremony. Cadets and their families arrived at the La Salle Institute campus by car, and stayed in their vehicles as they heard an opening prayer and blessing from Campus Minister Ted Deeb, recognition of students by Vice Principal for Academics Matthew Michaud and remarks by La Salle Institute Principal Joseph Raczkowski.
Courtesy of La Salle Institute
Siena College graduate, Kathleen O'Toole of Colonie, gets her photo taken by fellow graduate Cate Lawyer of Albany on the college's campus on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Loudonville, N.Y. The two women showed up at the campus to take photos on what was the school's graduation day. The two borrowed graduation gowns from Lawyer's family members who are Siena alumni. Siena College officials also held a ceremony to honor the class of 2020, the event was streamed live on Siena's Facebook page. College officials announced that they are tentatively planning for an actual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on August 15th. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Siena College friars take part in a ceremony to honor the class of 2020 on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Loudonville, N.Y. Sunday was graduation day at the college. The ceremony was streamed live on Siena's Facebook page. College officials announced that they are tentatively planning for an actual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on August 15th. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Siena College graduates, Kathleen O'Toole, left, of Colonie, and Cate Lawyer of Albany get their photos taken by family members on the college's campus on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Loudonville, N.Y. The two women showed up at the campus to take photos on what was the school's graduation day. The two borrowed graduation gowns from Lawyer's family members who are Siena alumni. Siena College officials also held a ceremony to honor the class of 2020, the event was streamed live on Siena's Facebook page. College officials announced that they are tentatively planning for an actual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on August 15th. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Some Siena College graduates talk with one of the college's friars on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Loudonville, N.Y. Sunday was graduation day at the college. College leaders held a small ceremony outside to honor the class of 2020. The ceremony was streamed live on Siena's Facebook page. College officials announced that they are tentatively planning for an actual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on August 15th. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Margaret Madden, interim president of Siena College, speaks at a ceremony to honor the Class of 2020 at Siena College on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Loudonville, N.Y. The ceremony was streamed live on Siena's Facebook page. College officials announced that they are tentatively planning for an actual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on August 15th. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Father Mark Reamer, vice president for mission and guardian of the Siena friary, speaks at a ceremony to honor the Class of 2020 at Siena College on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Loudonville, N.Y. The ceremony was streamed live on Siena's Facebook page. College officials announced that they are tentatively planning for an actual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on August 15th. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Some Siena College graduates and their families gather on the lawn of the college as Charles Seifert, interim vice president for academic affairs, foreground, speaks at a ceremony to honor the Class of 2020 at Siena College on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Loudonville, N.Y. The ceremony was streamed live on Siena's Facebook page. College officials announced that they are tentatively planning for an actual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on August 15th. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Albany Times Union
Josh Greenberg of Guilderland, left, and Luke NcNamee of Troy play songs such as what they call "Pomp and Quarantine," "Rainbow Connection" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on their saxophones on the steps of Russell Sage College on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The two saxophonists wanted to do something nice for the upcoming graduates in the Capital Region who won't be able to attend a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Josh Greenberg of Guilderland, left, and Luke NcNamee of Troy play songs such as what they call "Pomp and Quarantine," "Rainbow Connection" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on their saxophones on the steps of Russell Sage College on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The two saxophonists wanted to do something nice for the upcoming graduates in the Capital Region who won't be able to attend a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
From left, Kyle Kissoon takes photos of Shanti Sinanan, University at Albany graduate Sherelle Sinanan, University at Albany graduate Tunisha Haque, Shauneille Sinanan and Clyde Sinanan outside the Capitol on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The family was taking photos of the grads in their caps and gowns by the tulips today since there isn't a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Back row from left, Shauneille Sinanan takes a selfie with Kyle Kissoon, University at Albany graduate Sherelle Sinanan, Clyde Sinanan, front row from left, University at Albany graduate Tunisha Haque, and Shanti Sinanan outside the Capitol on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The family was taking photos of the grads in their caps and gowns by the tulips today since there isn't a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
A sign celebrates the graduation of a Bethlehem High School senior on Monday, April 27, 2020, on Murray Avenue in Delmar, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Albany Times UnionIt may not be the commencement celebration they had envisioned, but thousands of high school seniors in the Capital Region will walk the stage in a graduation cap and gown and accept their diploma this month.
The emotional milestones almost didn't happen. Along with prom, yearbook signings, and countless other senior-year rituals, traditional graduation events across New York were canceled in favor of virtual or "drive-thru" ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which in mid-March forced schools to close and large gatherings to be called off.
"Watching high school musicals and stuff growing up, I thought my senior year was going to be a like movie, like parties and stuff, but it kind of didn't happen the way we thought it would," Maram Amed, 18, a senior at Schenectady High School, said.
Ahmed, who is in her school's International Baccalaureate program, is currently choosing between University at Buffalo and Syracuse University, where she hopes to study neuroscience.
Parents and students at districts across the Capital Region signed petitions pleading for in-person events that would recognize students' hard work and accomplishments. Many were relieved when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo earlier this month allowed outdoor high school graduation ceremonies for up to 150 people beginning June 26 as long as federal health guidelines are adhered to.
Some local schools had already scheduled events at the Jericho Drive-In theater in Glenmont, which would require participants to remain in their cars and watch the speeches, presentations, and slide shows on the big screen. Others planned drive-by parades or tentatively rescheduled commencement events for later in the summer.
Graduate Jenna Meshon is seen receiving her diploma during a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union
Graduate Kayleigh Finch takes a photo of her classmates of 2020 as graduates pick up their diplomas during a drive through graduation at Schalmont High School on Friday, June 19, 2020 in Rotterdam, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionThe new regulations enabled smaller districts to host live events on school grounds with family members present, albeit six feet apart and wearing masks. Larger suburban schools are planning multiple events to give graduates the opportunity to walk the stage in front of an audience, presenting different graduation scenarios to families in a survey.
Guilderland High School officials had scheduled a ceremony followed by fireworks at the Jericho Drive-in for Saturday. After the state green-lighted in-person events, they scheduled a second ceremony on June 27 for its 380 graduates. The school will set up a stage and tent in front of the school building to host a series of mini ceremonies, honoring 53 students at a time in order to allow family members to join.
"We've had plans A,B,C,D,E,F, and G. I think we've landed in a really good place," Guilderland Superintendent Marie Wiles said. "It's not what we usually do and I know some people are not thrilled by these alternative, but I think they will be forever remembered and perhaps in hindsight be even more special."
Ballston Spa High School administrators had made tentative plans to hold prom and graduation ceremony at the Times Union Center in early August "pending the state’s approval for gatherings like this to be held,” according to the school's website. In the meantime, seniors would be recognized in a car parade. If the August events fall through, there have been talks of holding graduation on the football field.
Angela Capuano, 18, a Ballston Spa senior who will attend Berklee College of Music in Boston in the fall, said she was "staying optimistic" while also "letting go of expectations."
"I'll be disappointed if prom is canceled, but I'm relieved at least I'll be on campus in my freshman year," she said.
RELATED: Times Union Live: Rachel Silberstein talks with Guilderland Superintendent Marie Wiles
Some communities are pitching in to make commencement memorable. Niskayuna Supervisor Yasmine Syed and Councilwoman Denise Murphy McGraw said the town will support Niskayuna High School Class of 2020 by urging the decorating of homes, placing graduation signs on the town green at Town Hall, decorating the Town Hall gazebo for photos and a 1 p.m. June 27 parade that would start at Nott Street and Van Antwerp Road and go around the Town Hall loop to the High School parking lot.
In Schenectady, where more 600 are graduating this year, an in-person event was not possible. Instead, students will get to wear caps and gowns on June 26, when they will be assigned designated time slots to cross the stage, in front of only their own families, to collect their diplomas and take photos, school officials said.
"We have a large class, so bringing the class together - with staff and family - would far exceed the allowance," district spokeswoman Karen Corona said. "There would not be a way to social distance and adhere to the requirements. Therefore, an in-person ceremony was not an option."
Students and their families will also watch a pre-recorded virtual event at home. Drive-ins or other destination events were not options in Schenectady as they would exclude students without access to a vehicle, Corona noted.
For Ahmed and her peers, it's hard not to notice more affluent districts hosting more elaborate graduation ceremonies. A petition asking school officials to consider a more traditional event light of the governor's order has garnered 500 signatures.
Still, graduating during a pandemic has been "unifying," according to Ahmed. The coronavirus crisis has brought her schoolmates closer together. They are already planning post-quarantine celebratory barbecues and kayaking trips for the Class of 2020 on social media, events that have quickly spread through Facebook and Snapchat to 12th graders outside the district. "You talk to people you never really talked to in high school," Ahmed said.
TikTok has also been a comfort, she said. "Seeing kids from all over the state and the world going through this and making jokes about it made it much better. It's kind of funny. "
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