Starkville High Seniors celebrate graduation despite cancellation of traditional ceremony

Starkville, Miss. (WCBI) – “Thankful.”

That’s how Starkville High School Seniors said they felt Wednesday morning before walking across the stage to receive their diplomas.

The ceremony was as close to traditional as possible — given the circumstances.

The school allowed 20 seniors to walk every hour. Family members were only allowed into the auditorium when their graduate was on stage.

We spoke to a few graduates as they waited in line. They said it’s been an emotional senior year.

“A little nervous, happy, excited. I’m just happy it’s happening,” said Jariyah Chandler.

“It was kind of confusing, a little bit of pressure, wanting to have something, but everybody knew we wouldn’t be able to have a traditional ceremony, but I was glad they did something for us,” said Ella Wubbens.

Walks and speeches have been recorded.

The graduation ceremony will premiere in its entirety on May 22 at 6 p.m. on the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s Facebook page.