2020 NMCC Graduation

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

By Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed but did not stop the graduation ceremony for the members of the Class of 2020 at New Madrid County Central High School. The school used social distancing and taped presentations to provide graduates and their families with the opportunity to celebrate the end of their high school careers.

Members of the New Madrid County R-1 School Board along with Dr. Sam Duncan, superintendent, and Gerald Murphy, NMCC principal, wait for the high school's commencement to get underway.
In an effort to minimize contact between individuals during the New Madrid County Central High School's graduation ceremony, each graduate's diploma and program were waiting on their chair.
Keeshawn Word pauses before walking into the New Madrid County Central High School's graduation ceremony on June 16.
New Madrid County Central High School graduates prepare for the start of the start of their commencement ceremony on June 16.

it was a graduation ceremony like none previously at New Madrid County Central High School with graduates and the public practicing social distancing. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the graduation ceremony more than a month.
For the health and safety of the graduates and the public, New Madrid County Central's graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 including practicing social distancing. The graduates each sat six feet apart and the bleachers had seating areas for the public to help them avoid contact. The speeches by the graduates were pre-recorded and shown on the school's jumbo-trons at the June 16 event.
Emmie Wescoat wipes away a tear during the New Madrid County Central High School's commencement ceremony on June 16.
A student moves the tassel on his cap to the right to signify his graduation from New Madrid County Central High School on June 16.
A graduate pauses on the stage for a photo during the New Madrid County Central High School's commencement ceremony for the class of 2020 on June 16 at the high school
Dr. Sam Duncan, left, New Madrid County R-1 superintendent, presents a plaque to Gerald Murphy, New Madrid County Central High School principal, for his years of servicee to the school district. The presentation was made at the conclusion of the NMCC graduation on June 16.
Holli Rene' Yi, a member of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2020, listens to a speaker during the school's commencement ceremony on June 16.
Graduates check out their diplomas following the commencement ceremony at New Madrid County Central High School on June 16.
Members of the Class of 2020 at New Madrid County Central High School gather for a hug following their graduation on June 16.
Although the graduate's hat went up to the ceiling and came back down, the tassel remained in the ceiling following the annual hat toss by graduates at New Madrid County Central High School on June 16.
Honored as the New Madrid County Central High School's 2020 valedictorians were Caden Howell and Emmie Wescoat. The high school hosted its graduation on June 16 at the high school.
Members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2020 toss their hats in the air to signal their completion of four years of high school.
Two members of the New Madrid County Central High School Class of 2020 share a hug following their graduation on June 16. Graduation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gloria Houston, left, an instructor in the Technical Skills Center, shares a moment with two of the New Madrid County Central High School graduates, following the Commencement ceremony on June 16 at the high school.