MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has announced it will hold a non-traditional graduation for the class of 2020.

The plan, announced by CMS superintendent Earnest Winston, will include a virtual graduations followed by drive-thru ceremonies where students will recieve their diplomas.

The drive-thru ceremonies will take place from Wednesday, June 10 through Monday, June 15 beginning each day at 8 a.m. Click here to view each school's schedule

The virtual graduation ceremonies will take place from Tuesday, June 9 through Saturday, June 13 beginning at 8 a.m. each day. Click here to view each school's schedule.

“This is the first graduation that I’ll oversee as superintendent and I wish with all my heart that it could be a traditional one. But the safety of our graduates, their families and our staff must come first,” Winston says. “Unfortunately, it has been apparent since the COVID-19 pandemic began that we would not be able to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a traditional way.”

The prerecorded virtual graduations will include more traditional elements like speeches by distinguished visitors, the valedictorian, salutatorian and senior class representative, as well as the reading of each graduate’s name with available photos. This will be available for students and their families to watch prior to receiving their diplomas.

Diplomas will be issued during a drive-thru ceremony. CMS says a future school-based celebration will also be held for the graduates, but those details have not yet been released.