Rock Bridge High School students graduate Thursday, more graduation ceremonies this weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Rock Bridge High School seniors walked across the stage Thursday for graduation, it marked the first of four days of graduation ceremonies across the CPS district.

The school scheduled three ceremonies on Thursday and one other on Friday.

Attendees and graduates were socially distanced and greeted at the door, to ensure they had the proper tickets to enter. The staff at the door also had masks available.

Once inside, attendees were met with more district workers as they entered the gym. Those staff members gave instructions to guests, pointing out which areas they were permitted to sit in.

Bleachers were marked off with tape, to ensure attendees kept their distance while seated.

Students were allowed to remove their masks while they walked across the stage and while most took advantage of the opportunity, there were a few that kept their mask on throughout the entirety of the ceremony.

This was not the original plan for graduation, ABC 17 News reported back in April that CPS would be holding a hybrid graduation ceremony.

The plan was to allow students to receive their diplomas in person, while also holding a virtual commencement ceremony.

Other districts are adjusting their graduation ceremonies as well. Jefferson City High School will hold their graduation ceremony Friday night starting at 7 p.m.

Attendees will be encouraged to social distance however the school didn't list any mask requirement, or a limit on guests.

Columbia Public Schools Board Member Blake Willoughby said it's important to celebrate the class of 2020, even if the ceremony looks much different.