By Puyallup Tribal News Staff
haʔł ti syayus- Good work to the class of 2021.
Chief Leschi Schools celebrated the class of 2021’s graduation on Saturday, June 5.
Many students adjusted to virtual school this year, but wouldn’t have ever imagined graduating during a pandemic. That said, changes were needed on how the ceremony is usually conducted, due to COVID-19. With social distancing measures and proper protocol in place, many more than expected were able to celebrate in person. Students had a select number of spots available in the actual gym, where families sat in section pods. The CLS staff made sure everyone who wanted to have a chance to watch graduation could as it was live-streamed on monitors throughout the school. This allowed for more guests a chance to celebrate in person and those who stayed home could watch as well.
Individual classrooms were dedicated to each graduate’s family so that people could celebrate safely. Many families and teachers decorated the rooms, and some even brought refreshments.
CLS even had virtual guest speaker U.S. Secretary Deb Haaland, who recently made history when she became the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. Haaland, who spoke over a pre-recorded video, said it was essential to remember tradition while navigating in a colonized world.
Photos by CLS Communications Manager Brittany Piger and Puyallup Tribal News Staff
