Viewership strong for Smithville Media video of Edgewood High School virtual graduation ceremony
As with previous years, Smithville Media has produced a video of the Edgewood High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020. The event took place on Saturday, May 16. Response from the community has been very positive, with personal notes of thanks and viewership of the ceremony reaching above 1500 within the first four days.
“GREAT JOB on putting together the Graduation for all of us to view on Saturday! It will be one of the BEST keepsakes to have for years to come! Our Seniors should definitely feel proud of all the hard work that was put into that presentation!”–Judy
“We appreciate the creative 2020 commencement ceremony for Edgewood High school graduates provided via Smithville. Thank you!”–The Langs
This year’s ceremony was very different from previous iterations with students coming in at designated times in groups of 20 and standing six feet apart. Only the students and a few faculty members were present for the ceremony. Students also wore protective masks as well as their caps and gowns until walking on stage to get their diplomas. At that time, students were allowed to remove their masks for a photo and short “rose dedication” speech. The rose dedication is an Edgewood tradition where students present a rose in recognition of someone significant to their academic journey.
Smithville Media’s Rob Ramsey said that while this year posed additional challenges when compared with other years, he is proud of the final product, which was edited in a way to give it a look and feel of a traditional graduation ceremony. “I think it will be a very good substitute for something that otherwise may not have happened,” Ramsey said. Families were pleased with the final product, and many sent notes directly to Ramsey expressing their appreciation.
“My family would like to thank you for putting together the virtual graduation video. When Alyssa learned that she would have the opportunity to walk across the stage (even if it was in front of an empty audience), she cried. She said, ‘mom I didn’t think I would get to formally walk across the stage.’ The videotaping of the kids accepting diplomas was much better than a static photo of them. We were able to have her grandparents here to watch, and as a family, we celebrated Alyssa’s accomplishments. Given the circumstances, I think you delivered the next best thing to being there in person. We are beyond grateful for you, Smithville Telephone, RBBCSC, teachers, administrators, and the community. The outpouring of support for these students was amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”–Tina
Anyone interested can purchase a two-disc DVD of the video as a keepsake for $10. To order a copy, contact Edgewood High School Secretary Susan Shockney via email or call her at (812) 876-2277 ext. 2207.
The DVD has various extra features in addition to the graduation ceremony, including a senior montage video compiled by a student and a class celebration video put together by the staff. The video also includes traditional graduation elements like speeches by the class president and valedictorian, as well as a commencement address. This year’s commencement speaker was recently retired Edgewood English teacher, Larry DeMoss.
To see more Smithville Media features, visit the company’s YouTube channel. To read more about Smithville’s video production services, click here.
