With the Coronavirus pandemic in the beginning phases it is advised that communities work to prevent the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised that large groups should only consist of 250 people. Graduation ceremonies hold more people than the recommended maximum.

Following the recommendations of the CDC would mean that the schools would be postponing or cancelling their spring graduation ceremonies. The CDC also recommended that in order to have a minimal to moderate spread of the virus that community members should “cancel community-wide mass gathering” (CDC).

The four major universities, Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University, are either cancelling or postponing their spring graduations. The cancellations are meant to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Perry senior Winston Brown said, “I would prefer a ceremony to finalize my career because I’ve worked hard for 4 years to achieve that and walk on that stage and shake the principal’s hand.” Throughout highschool, seniors look forward to the day of graduation. This milestone is huge because not only does it mean they never have to go back, they also get to start the next chapter in their lives. 

Senior Sue Kwon said, “I was looking forward to senior prom and senior spirit week.” Like most seniors, Kwon looks forward to the end of the year for more than just graduation. The end of the year also provides the seniors with many rewards.

The marked date of Wednesday, May 27, 2020 will probably be moved to another time. The location of the graduation is going to be at the Desert Financial Arena which is in the ASU campus. Considering that ASU converted to online to prevent the spread, it is likely that they will move this ceremony back to a later date. In addition it is also possible that the ceremony will be online so families will not be exposed to the spread of the virus. 

Although graduation is being cancelled, it is important to understand why. The CDC has advised that all large gatherings should be cancelled. This situation has never been seen before and the prevention of the spread is their main goal.