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EDGARD — Parents from West St. John and East St. John voiced their opinions overwhelmingly in favor of waiting until the “all clear” is given to host traditional graduation ceremonies for their students.

Graduations may take place in mid-July or during Christmas break in December, depending on when social distancing guidelines are relaxed.

While students will have to wait a little longer to walk across the stage in a cap and gown, they will finish the school year on a high note with an assortment of senior activities.

Last week, West St. John master teacher Belinda Bailey coordinated an Academic Signing Day in which students and parents waited in the car until their name was called to sign the board. The event was live streamed and photos were taken from a distance.

“The Academic Signing Day is the day they decide what college they are going to attend,” Bailey said. “They are excited, especially those who get scholarships, and they want everybody to know what their plans are. They wear shirts of the school they will attend. They were excited just to come out because they have been locked up in the house for so long.”

According to Bailey, the last month of school typically includes scholarship nights, banquets, senior breakfast, prom, a Baccalaureate service and graduation practice.

West St. John teacher Kristen White recently coordinated a virtual prom so the juniors and seniors wouldn’t miss out. Students voted for their prom royalty via the school email earlier in the week.

On prom night, West St. John parent DJ Child Support went live on social media to play music for the students. On Facebook Live, White honored 2020 Prom King Corbert Jackson, Prom Queen Aaliyah Bailey, Duke Jahmal Bailey and Duchess L’Mijah Lumar.

School leaders have planned a week of activities from May 11-15 to engage all seniors and allow them to reflect on the legacy they will leave at West St. John.

May 11 will be Makin’ Moves Monday. Students are asked to take a picture dressed in attire themed to where they plan to go after graduation.

May 12 will be Take me back Tuesday. Students will post a photo of their last first day of school or a photo of their most memorable moment at West St. John. Some students might choose to take their classmates all the way back with a baby picture.

Wednesday, May 13 is #WatchasayWSJ and Senior Snowball Day. Students can shout out their best friend, another senior or a West St. John staff member. A Zoom event will allow students to thank a parent for sponsoring a FREE snowball. The Zoom link will be provide through webmail.

Thursday, May 14 is themed “Thriller,” giving students a chance to tag the school in their best dance videos. Songs must be language appropriate.

The week concludes with Focus Friday on May 15. Seniors are asked to drop some words of wisdom for West St. John underclassmen.

Be sure to tag each day #WSJSeniorWeek and use the following link for shout-outs and Focus Friday: https://flipgrid.com/seniorclass