Dukes returning to stadium for 'traditional' graduation

WELLINGTON — Not since the 1970s have graduation ceremonies been held at the Dickson Street stadium. That will change June 6, when Wellington High School students receive diplomas at the outdoor venue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Change is good. If we're going to be changing, this is the year we do it," Principal Tina Drake said. Last year's seniors, shocked by the sudden cancellation of spring sports and closure of school doors, made do with a drive-up graduation ceremony in the high school parking lot. Cameron Brinker, president of the class of 2021, said the fear through recent months has been that another major outbreak could lead to a similar shutdown and ruin commencement. "Everyone was kind of skeptical because we didn't want to happen to us what unfortunately happened to the seniors last year," he said. COVID-19 case numbers are coming down as the population is slowly getting vaccinated. Nearly 33,000 Lorain County residents — about 10.6 percent of the population — had started vaccinations as of Tuesday night, when Drake revealed her plans for graduation to the Wellington Board of Education. She said it's unclear how many people will be able to attend the ceremony — in a follow-up interview, Drake said it's likely attendance will have to follow the same guidelines as varsity games. Right now, the state's Responsible RestartOhio plan sets that number at either 300 spectators or 15 percent of the fixed seating capacity, whichever number is lower. "Worst-case scenario, my thought is each graduate would have two tickets," and the event would be livestreamed, Drake said. Lorain County Public Health will be involved in organizing the event and ensuring safety protocols are followed, she said. Masks and social distancing will still be part of the equation. School board President Brett Murner said the graduation plan shows "positive steps" for the district. Brinker agreed, saying the stadium isn't an ideal plan but one that's much better than the alternative for the 83 seniors who stand to receive diplomas. "At the beginning of the year, a lot of the students, the student body, they didn't know what was going to happen. Now as we come full circle, we're more hopeful for what's to come," he said. Drake said the Dickson Street stadium could become Wellington's new graduation venue, replacing the high school gymnasium. A rain date will be set just in case the weather sours, and if it still doesn't cooperate, then the "third time's the charm," she said. "We would probably do it back inside." Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.