Rocky View Schools has decided all graduating ceremonies at its schools, including Bow Valley and Cochrane High, will strictly be virtual celebrations for the Classes of 2021.

Yesterday, RVS superintendent Greg Luterbach made what he called a difficult, but necessary decision.

"Given the ongoing COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, even small in-person celebrations are not possible," he writes in a letter to parents. "As such, schools will have to celebrate our graduates with virtual and online celebrations along with various keepsakes."

Luterbach says the Class of 2021 has had to endure much over the course of the pandemic.

"This is not the graduation our students have worked for, planned, and dreamed of. We know they deserve so much more. Family members will not have the opportunity to celebrate their child’s accomplishments in the typical manner, either."

He says efforts are being made to ensure graduates are appreciated in meaningful ways by school administration and grad committees and to watch for more details.