Fielder's Choice

It's been 41 years.

I was on the football field at Hamilton, Ala., High School, dressed in a cap and gown, waiting to hear my name called.

High school graduation is supposed to be one of the highlights of a lifetime. It was for me. I remember it well.

Beyond getting that diploma in-hand, I was able to share the moment with my classmates, my teachers, my family, my friends, the community.

I was able to hug those people who meant the most to me.

Unfortunately for my third child, who is a high school senior this year, her graduation will most likely not follow the norm.

She left Marshall Academy March 5 for spring break and hasn't been back since due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

We were enjoying spring break the next week, and suddenly things changed ­ basically overnight.

She is wrapping up her senior year through distance learning. Her school work will be completed this week.

A graduation ceremony for her and her classmates, and all other seniors in Marshall County, is uncertain. Possibilities are being discussed.

I talked with Irene Turnage, superintendent of the Holly Springs School District, last Friday. She remains hopeful of having some type of event for the Holly High seniors at some point.

"We certainly want to recognize them," she said. "We love them and we want to do something for them. They deserve to be recognized."

I've seen some plans for other school districts, in Mississippi and other states.

Bay St. Louis announced last week it would be having a drive-in commencement ceremony at the football stadium. The plan is to have all the pomp and circumstance possible while staying within the social distancing guidelines. The graduation is set for May 22.

Tents would be set up at the football stadium for each individual student and immediate family (up to 10 people). The administration, valedictorian and salutatorian will deliver commencement speeches from the football stadium press box.

My wife Pam read of another school's plan. Each senior would have a designated time or appointment to walk across the stage in cap and gown and receive his or her diploma from the principal. It would be recorded. All would be put together for a video which would be viewed by seniors and family members from cars at a local drive-in theater.

It made me immediately think of my days of watching movies at the drive-in theater at Gu-Win, Ala. I'm pretty sure it's still in business. I read where some drive-in church services have been held there during the COVID-19 situation.

The classes of 2020, at schools across the United States, will long be remembered for what they've endured. These seniors have had what are supposed to be the best times of their lives taken away from them.

But, even at their young age, they understand why. They know the serious health issues that can be caused by this virus and why school buildings are closed.

All of the emotions likely won't sink in with them until on down the road. For the most part, right now, they're stunned ­ in somewhat of a daze the past few weeks.

Like them, at this point, I'm just hopeful for a graduation.