Southwest Florida graduation ceremonies and information

In 2020, upperclassmen had to cope with not being able to experience many of their high school and college milestones and ceremonies.

As the community continues to get vaccinated, and we now have a year's worth of COVID experience behind us, we have graduated to a better understanding of the virus and how to celebrate safely.

This year, things are looking up as local schools are more open to social gatherings and many are offering graduation ceremonies with adjustments to meet CDC guidelines.

Here's a list of graduation ceremonies by county:

LEE COUNTY

High School

The 2021 commencement for Lee County Schools is pending approval from the school board.

Once approved, the high schools will communicate the details with their seniors.

If approved commencement will be held on June 4th, 5th, and 6th at FSW’s Suncoast Arena, Hertz Arena, and Caloosa Sound. One ceremony will be Friday, eight on Saturday, and six on Sunday.

Graduates will be limited to two tickets each to maintain social distancing in the audience, the district will Livestream the ceremonies for those unable to attend.

Should, for whatever reasons, the ceremonies not be able to be held in these large venues, then schools will organize a graduation ceremony on their football fields for the same weekend.

FGCU
Each graduate is allowed to invite up to four guests to attend the ceremony. Graduation walks start April 30.

Full graduation details are available in student's e-mail accounts.

COLLIER COUNTY

High School
The 2021 commencement ceremonies will be held at each high school's campus.

The commencement will be on May 28th, 2021 at 9:00 am.

Each graduate will be allowed up to two guests.

Seating will be in the stands, fields, or both using pre-identified, marked seats to allow each participant's two guests to sit together, while socially distancing from others.

Graduates, guests, and participants will be required to wear a face covering/mask.

The comments will be virtually streamed. The district will give more information on that at a later date.

Additional information will be distributed to parents and students.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

High School

Charlotte County Schools District will host an in-person 2021 Graduation Ceremony on May 27th.

Due to CDC Guidelines, they may limit 2 tickets per graduate.

Charlotte County Says they are exploring other venues and will update the students as soon as they have more information.

HENDRY COUNTY-COMING SOON
Pre-K

Elementary

Middle

High School

College

DESOTO COUNTY-COMING SOON
Pre-K

Elementary

Middle

High School

College

GLADES COUNTY-COMING SOON
Pre-K

Elementary

Middle

High School

College

COLLEGE CEREMONIES

FGCU

2021 Graduation for FGCU will be held on Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2 at Alico Arena.

FGCU is adapting commencement traditions to allow graduates to celebrate while observing official COVID-19 safety measures.

For spring, Grad Walk is a voluntary opportunity to briefly take the stage in person while as many as four guests watch and cheer from the floor.

A virtual commencement featuring celebratory speeches will also be streamed.

The schedule is as follows:

Grad Walk Ceremony Schedule

· April 30 | College of Arts & Sciences

· May 1 | Lutgert College of Business & College of Education

· May 2 | U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering, Marieb College of Health & Human Services and Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship

Virtual Commencement Schedule

· May 2 | 10 a.m. Virtual Commencement video goes live | Watch it or share with family any time

FSW

FSW will hold its commencement ceremony on Friday, April 30th at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on their Lee Campus.

Further details about the event are still pending.

Updates will be announced when we receive them.

Be proud. Despite many setbacks and challenges faced in the last year, you made it! CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021!