Graduation Time In Lawrence.

Once again, May brings a whirlwind of activity to our town. Students are preparing and practicing for graduation ceremonies. Friends and family are planning parties. Hotels, restaurants, and shops are getting ready to welcome guests traveling to town for the festivities. Our graduates have worked hard and endured the most unusual circumstances. It’s time to recognize their achievements.

Commencement weekend at the University of Kansas will have a double-take this year. Graduation activities for the class of 2021 will take place Sunday, May 16, in the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The class of 2020, whose commencement had to be canceled last year due to covid-19, will hold their activities the following Sunday, May 23, at the stadium.

Each class will participate in one of KU’s most cherished traditions. Graduates will take their place in line (socially distanced this year) and walk through the KU Memorial Campanile then down the hill into the stadium, a tradition that began with the University’s Class of 1950.

Haskell Indian Nations University graduates participated in a graduation ceremony organized by Sacred Ground Haskell, a community center located next to the campus, on May 7.

Lawrence area high schools plan to recognize their graduates in separate ceremonies: Veritas Christian School on May 16, Lawrence Virtual High School on May 22, Lawrence High School on May 25,Free State High School on May 26, and Bishop Seabury on May 28.

The past 14 months have taught us how adaptable and resilient we can be. May the graduates of 2020 and 2021 take those lessons – along with the education they have received – and do great things. We wish each of them the very best.