COVID-19 has meant those in Grade 12 are not getting the proper sendoff from high school into the next stage of their life as they are not able to experience a grad ceremony. Regina-Lewvan Conservative MP Warren Steinley believes he might have an answer.
Steinley thinks there would be nothing wrong with kids and their families congregating at Mosaic Stadium with ceremonies being held on the field.
Steinley, who used to be a Saskatchewan Party MLA, says he has spoken to Regina MLA’s, Regina Police Chief Evan Bray, Regina Mayor Michael Fougere and Regina Exhibition Association Limited President Tim Reid about the idea which he thinks is feasible with each high school in Regina having a time to stage an event properly and safely.
“I am hoping to have some conversation with the provincial government and the chief medical health officer (Dr. Saqib Shahab) about this and see if there is any possibility about doing this at Mosaic Stadium.” Steinley said. “I think we can do it safely and do it with physical distancing. I think graduation is a big part of everyone’s life. Everyone remembers their graduation as they take the next step and with students having a pretty tough time over the last three months, this would give them a sense of normalcy and a great memory.”
Steinley, who says he has had a lot of parents contact him asking about whether or not something can be done, says if you can go to a store and have a cashier hand you a receipt then you can have a principal hand a diploma to a graduating student.
He also thinks there might be no better spot to graduate than at the home of the Riders.
“It would be a memory I think they would have for a long time. When at Mosaic watching the Riders or a concert, you could tell your kids some day that this is where you got your high school diploma.” Steinley stated. “It would be something graduates and their families would certainly remember.”