The new look of Graduation is a familiar setting.
Graduation is right around the corner, and senioritis is festering; the traditions of Cardinal Mooney may have been hijacked last year for graduation, but seniors this year will be able to celebrate almost the same as those years before.
Principal Dr. Mary Anne Beiting is dedicated to keeping tradition alive, and keeping graduation as similar as possible.
“Graduation will be more traditional than last year,” Beiting said. “The biggest changes have to do with protocols— masking and social distancing. Because we’re inside for Stambugh and the Baccalaureate, and because of the limitations of how many can attend the Cathedral and Stambaugh, there will be a sign up for the number of tickets. Things will be livestreamed as well.”
This is exciting news for seniors, such as Liam Gatesman, who are ready to have a classic Cardinal Mooney graduation.
“The entire process in general will be the same because we can actually do the senior appreciation dinner, baccalaureate and, of course, graduation,” Gatesman said. “The feeling of success and moving on will be the same, even if there’s less people there.”
Senior Leanne Chandler is also excited to put on her cap and gown, yet understands the differences that might come with COVID.
Chandler said, “It is upsetting that my whole family cannot come. However, at a traditional Mooney graduation, the seniors feel connected with each other, like a family, and I think my senior class will feel this way at our graduation too.”
Beiting explained that the most important thing for Mooney is honoring the traditions we have. Our graduation ceremonies are integral to our school pride, and the administration is working on honoring these traditions as closely as they can.
The new look of graduation seems to be an old one: full of memories of the past and pre-COVID times. Cardinal Mooney is able to send their seniors off with a classic Mooney graduation once more.