SMCISD Postpones In-Person Graduation Until July

Staff Reports

San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District has postponed in-person graduations until July 17 due to coronavirus concerns.

On May 18, Superintendent Michael Cardona told the SMCISD board of trustees holding in-person high school graduation on June 5 as the district had originally planned would become an “uncomfortable situation.”  

Cardona said pushing the date out another month would give administration more time to plan a safe ceremony and allow them to monitor the progress of COVID-19 better.

In the meantime, seniors will have a virtual graduation ceremony at 8 PM on May 29, and administration is working on plans to honor all high school graduates during the ceremony, according to Cardona.

On May 18, Governor Greg Abbott reported school districts will be able to offer summer school courses starting June 1. However, districts will still be required to maintain the COVID-19 health and safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Despite the pandemic, several communities throughout Hays County are coming up with ways to support and celebrate graduating seniors.

The Shadow Creek Social Committee in Buda established a Facebook group where members of the community could celebrate and adopt a local senior. Parents posted bios of their graduating seniors on the page for members to read.

On May 16, the Shadow Creek Social Committee decorated their community center with graduation themed stakes and balloons and held a graduate appreciation parade for students to enjoy.

Parents have organized a parade themselves to honor SMCISD seniors, which will start at the high school at Noon on May 29, according to Rhonda Martinez, a SMCISD parent.

Cardona said there is a possibility in-person graduation will be canceled indefinitely, but he remains positive.