Door-to-door diplomas

By Ryan Bergeron, CNN, Updated 2:03 AM ET, Sat May 16, 2020

Not all schools are going for marquee events, however. Dohn Community High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, is scaling things back and making it more personal.

Director Ramone Davenport and his staff are heading to each graduating senior’s home and hand delivering diplomas. With over 200 expected graduates, the process will likely continue well into the summer. But Davenport says the 15 to 20 personal graduations held so far have been such a hit that the school might rethink the traditional ceremony in the future.

Takela Thomas and her family celebrate her high school graduation in front of their home.

“This might be something that Dohn High School just does. You know, once you come to Dohn and graduate, we’re going to bring the diploma to you,” said Davenport. “In a traditional graduation, you call a person’s name and they walk across the stage. This is more personal. I’m spending seven or eight minutes talking directly to that kid about their accomplishments and the families are right there on the lawn. They’re getting a little more bang for their buck.”

Davenport said that for Dohn students, where around 98% live at or below the poverty line, this event is especially meaningful.

“There’s a whole different type of circumstances and obstacles. These kids deserve to be recognized. This is one step further for them and once they can feel that accomplishment, it’s going to drive that kid to go on to the next level.”

For seniors like Tasean Moore, who says he spent 18 months in jail after fighting back for being bullied, graduating is a new beginning.

“I feel amazing. This is the best thing ever,” said Moore, who plans to go to college. “I just want to start a new life and be successful.”

(For the full CNN story click on this link: https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/16/us/coronavirus-class-of-2020-creative-graduation-ceremonies-trnd/index.html)