Malibu Plans In-Person Graduation Ceremony Later This Year

MALIBU — With the usual end-of-year senioritis replaced with an actual disease, how does a high school mark all of the usual senior year milestones? As the school year draws to a close, Malibu High School is working hard to ensure that its Class of 2020 gets the sendoff they deserve.

The first question on everyone’s mind is the graduation ceremony originally planned for June 9. While many schools, including every high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, have opted for virtual graduation ceremonies, MHS parents, students, and faculty decided that they would rather wait until they’re able to have an in-person ceremony. “We have researched and even met with various companies, about virtual ceremonies, drive through ceremonies, drive-in ceremonies, etc. and haven’t found something that really fits our community or validates the 13 years these kids have spent with us,” said Principal Patrick Miller.

Miller said that students and families have been pushing for an-in person ceremony that will take place in either late July or early August, and winter break if in-person gatherings are still banned this summer.

In the meantime, the school and its students have planned a number of activities to improve school spirit and show appreciation for the graduating class. On April 19, Miller and a number of his colleagues distributed yard signs in front of seniors’ homes, and a large banner at the intersection of PCH and Heathercliff Road congratulates the Class of 2020. Students are putting together a senior video, while some teachers are working with local radio station KBU on a possible senior tribute, and Miller is working with Spectrum News 1 to feature senior portraits. College and career counselor Linh Nguyen is putting together a Zoom ceremony to give out awards and scholarships, and a website where students can post college decisions. Miller said that the school is coordinating with the Malibu Times and Malibu Surfside News to highlight the valedictorian, awards, and college matriculations.

“We will continue to find little ways to make sure our seniors, and all of our students, know that we miss them and are thinking about them,” said Miller.

The school is working to support students emotionally and academically during a challenging and often disappointing time. In addition to a full curriculum, teachers, counselors, and support staff continue to check in with students and offer emotional support to those who need it. The school has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu to offer the Wellness Center, which offers counseling to those who need it and a number of mental health resources.

Miller says he’s been impressed with how well the seniors have responded to the setbacks. “Truly, our kids are resilient,” he said. “[They] are able to understand what is going on in the world and able to understand this is beyond our school, our events. They have shown a tremendous amount of maturity, flexibility, understanding.”