High school students graduate on jet skis amid coronavirus pandemic

Students were given jet-skiing lessons prior to ceremony

A high school that handed out diplomas to students on jet skis is being praised for its unique graduation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As the country continues to grapple with the virus, schools around the US have remained closed - with many graduations cancelled or replaced with Zoom calls.

However, rather than hold a remote graduation for its high school seniors, Somerset Island Prep, a charter school in Key West, Florida, decided to teach them how to jet ski instead - so they could obtain their diplomas on water.

The graduation, which followed social distancing guidelines, saw students wearing life jackets and masks under their caps and gowns as they zoomed past Principal Tom Rompella, who handed them their diplomas with a grabber.

“This final ceremony for our seniors represents the same theme that has played out throughout the entirety of their time at Island Prep,” Rompella said in a press release. “That no barrier is too large to overcome and that through creativity and hard work we can overcome any challenge.”

The school also confirmed that the students had received jet-skiing lessons prior to the ceremony.

“Unique times call for unique measures,” the principal said in a video from the graduation. “We’ve been telling our class of 2020 that any challenge can be overcome, so this is another challenge that we’re gonna overcome, and it’s gonna be their last challenge that they overcome for high school as they go out and start their life.”

On Facebook, where the video of the graduation has been liked nearly 500 times, people applauded the school for coming up with a way to celebrate in person - while keeping staff and students safe.

“What an awesome graduation for these young adults! You guys out did yourself and made this a memorable graduation ceremony!” one person wrote.

Another said: “This is amazing!!! Congratulations class of 2020!!”