ROCKFORD The region s high schools and colleges are substituting their traditional indoor graduation ceremonies for outdoor venues as commencements are disrupted for a second year by the coronavirus pandemic.
Last summer, the arrival of the coronavirus forced schools to hold virtual ceremonies or outright cancel their celebrations. Others got creative with methods such as Jefferson High School s drive-in ceremony.
This summer, athletic stadiums at local high schools and Rockford University will host commencements, a decision made earlier this year as uncertainty surrounded the pandemic.
It marks the first time in 32 years that Rockford Public Schools will host graduation ceremonies on football fields. Despite the venue change, it s a ceremony that feels a lot more like normal.