But, some have also chosen to keep the replacement events birthed out of necessity last year amid social distancing guidelines and capacity restrictions, such as senior caravans, virtual drive-in ceremonies and individual drive-through ceremonies.
Graduations have already been underway at area private schools, such as Our Lady of Lourdes, and others begin this weekend.
Poughkeepsie plans to host graduation for its roughly 180 graduates outside on its sports complex on school grounds. The ceremony will be as close to traditional as possible, but students and families will be socially distanced in the stands and on the field.
Many schools, including Poughkeepsie, are making masks optional, thanks to the state health department guidance this week allowing for schools to have maskless activities when outdoors. Others, will require them; the state is still mandating masks for any school event in excess of 500 attendees.