As schools across the country face the challenge of celebrating graduations while ensuring social distancing during the ongoing pandemic, one high school in New Hampshire has come up with a brilliantly unique solution. Instead of traditional ceremonies, Kennett High School in North Conway has planned a memorable graduation event atop a mountain.
On June 13, seniors will ascend the 2,000-foot Cranmore Mountain via chairlift to receive their diplomas at the peak. After the ceremony, graduates will enjoy a scenic ride back down the mountain, marking a truly extraordinary milestone in their lives. Principal Mark Thompson revealed that the idea originated as a lighthearted suggestion during discussions about social distancing protocols. The connection to the resort was fortuitous, as the general manager, Sam Washington, is also an alumnus of Kennett High, which prompted Thompson to pursue the idea further.
Traditionally, graduations at Kennett are held on the school’s football field, but the pandemic has necessitated this innovative approach. Each of the 172 graduating seniors can choose to receive their diploma at the summit, with the option to opt for a presentation at the base of the mountain if preferred. The entire experience, including the chairlift ride, diploma handoff, and photo opportunities, will take around 30 minutes, making it a standout alternative to the usual ceremony.
To enhance the atmosphere, students are collaborating on a soundtrack for the event. Additionally, a car parade is planned to celebrate the graduates through the town of Conway, allowing the community to join in the festivities. “Everyone is thrilled about this idea,” Thompson shared. “It’s not every day you get to graduate on top of a mountain!”
Becca Morgan, the director of communications for Cranmore, remarked, “How awesome is it to graduate in a ski town, right from the mountain’s peak? It’s going to be a day to remember.” For more details, check out this post on our other blog, or visit this helpful resource for more information about graduation celebrations during these unique times.
In summary, Kennett High School’s mountain graduation ceremony promises to be a remarkable event, combining the excitement of a ski lift ride with the joy of graduating, all while keeping safety in mind.