BRYAN, Texas — Many schools across the Brazos Valley are feeling the effects of COVID-19. Many campuses are closed and school events are being canceled left and right, even an event like high school graduation is forcing school districts to come up with a backup plan.
Three out of four high schools in Bryan ISD traditionally used Texas A&M facilities like Reed Arena for graduation ceremonies. Texas A&M staff told Bryan ISD all events at Reed Arena through the end of May have been canceled or postponed.
"It did not really surprise us, but until we had it official we did not act upon but our brains were going and we were thinking," Whitbeck said. "Then it was time to engage the students and see how they feel."
Students were not thrilled to hear the news of graduation and said at first it was a tough pill to swallow.
"I've always had it in my head that I would walk on stage at Reed Arena, all my family would be there, there would be so many people and I've been to graduations before," Kelsi Dowling, a high school senior. "I've pictured in my head that all this would happen."
Bryan ISD is now looking at different options, including a new graduation date using Texas A&M facilities or possibly using Merrill Green Stadium to hold the ceremony.
"We're already different and we can't change that, so why don't we embrace it?" said Umber Christian, a high school senior.
Whitbeck is reaching out to students in the school district to get their perspective on how to handle graduation.
"Merrill Green is where a lot of our memories already are so it'd be a cool way to end it right there," Christian said.
These students who are speaking with the district are now tasked with getting other students' ideas. They said the situation is already a negative one, so they want to help spread positivity to others.
"I feel like they are listening to us because we're able to talk to people like Dr. Whitbeck and our principal, give them any feedback and answer any questions," said Julianna Perez, a senior in high school. "We can tell (students), 'Hey this might not happen now, but it could happen later on.'"
Because of the situation concerning COVID-19, final decisions for graduation will be based on future guidelines like the return to school and social distancing.
"We're just not really concerned necessarily as to where, but as long as we have graduation or as long as we have a prom," said Jesus Vega-Tirado, a senior in Bryan ISD.
Whitbeck will continue her conversations with students to get different ideas.