Caps. Check.

Gowns. Check.

Diplomas. Check.

Yes, it’s that time of year. Graduation.

Stratford’s commencement exercises will be different again this year. Instead of having the annual ceremony in the Macon City Auditorium, graduation will be held at Cantrell Stadium on Saturday, May 29 at 9 a.m. 

Because of COVID restrictions, it is being held outdoors for the second straight year. Last year, graduation was at the school’s soccer field. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in The Grady gymnasium.

Stratford Head of Upper School Mrs. Theresa Ferrari said masks will not be required.

Also, graduation is open to anyone not just limited to eight people per graduate. 

“The graduation will be similar to last year’s, but of course the location has changed to the Cantrell Stadium, and we will allow more people than last year,’’ Mrs. Ferrari said. “Last year we limited attendance to the eight guests that could be seated at each table. This year, with the stands open, we are opening it up to many more people. Last year we asked all in attendance to wear masks. This year we will not.’’

Two individuals with an alumni service award and an alumni achievement award, Mrs. Ferrari said. 

“Last year we skipped that part of the graduation,’’ she said. “We can expect Mr. Bowlds to give an address again this year as he did last year. This is a new tradition.’’

This year Stratford has 41 honor graduates. Nora Joregensen and Jocelyn Tang are the salutatorians for the 2021 class, and Sabina Ajjan is the valedictorian.