Bixby moving forward with in-person, traditional graduation ceremony

BIXBY, Okla. (KTUL) -- Bixby Public Schools is holding a traditional graduation ceremony for 2020 seniors at its football stadium on June 13.

After months of uncertainty, and a possible virtual graduation, school officials made the decision to have the ceremony in person.

The ceremony will be separated into three different groups.

There are safety precautions in place.

The school will mark off rows to separate families, and it will be a no-touch ceremony meaning no handshakes or side by side photos.

BHS principal Terry Adams said it's been the goal since day one to celebrate the seniors traditionally.

"It's really a traditional ceremony but putting in a lot more safety precautions than we usually think about," said Adams.

For senior Maddie Cooper, this choice means the world to her.

Since freshman year she's been hoping to be the graduation soloist.

"I've seen all of these other soloists go every single year, and I've been aspiring to be that and that's been my big goal. And when I got it it was amazing, and everything kind of hit," said Cooper.

She said it just wouldn't have been the same graduating virtually.

"Especially to me, to have an in-person graduation. Something that I can actually achieve what my dream was since freshman year. And it's been great to achieve my dreams, and I've definitely been able to do that at Bixby," said Cooper.

Adams said if any families are uncomfortable going to the ceremony in person, it will be streamed online.