NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Graduation ceremonies draw thousands despite pandemic fears

Virus Outbreak Graduation
Posted
and last updated

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — High schools nationwide have canceled or postponed traditional graduation ceremonies to avoid worsening the spread of the new coronavirus. But some are going ahead as usual, with tweaks to account for health concerns.

Two large schools near Birmingham, Alabama, are holding back-to-back commencement exercises that will draw thousands of people on Wednesday and Thursday night. Another nearby school had a similar ceremony Tuesday night.

Health officials say such events could endanger the public health by promoting the spread of disease. But school officials say they're using social distancing guidelines and abiding by state health rules.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Friday

05/09/2025

Sunny

98° / 67°

0%

Saturday

05/10/2025

Mostly Sunny

102° / 66°

0%

Sunday

05/11/2025

Sunny

92° / 56°

0%

Monday

05/12/2025

Mostly Sunny

78° / 54°

0%

Tuesday

05/13/2025

Partly Cloudy

72° / 54°

6%

Wednesday

05/14/2025

Sunny

80° / 57°

0%

Thursday

05/15/2025

Mostly Sunny

86° / 61°

0%

Friday

05/16/2025

Mostly Sunny

89° / 62°

0%